Final answer:
In 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, the setting details emphasize the villagers' adherence to tradition despite its violent nature. This is shown in their participation in the annual ritual and their resistance to changing the black box used during the lottery.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, the author uses various details of the setting to emphasize the importance of tradition to the villagers. The story, set in a small village, focuses on a bizarre annual ritual that ends in the violent death of a villager. The villagers rigidly adhere to this tradition, despite its brutality, underscoring their valuation of tradition over humanity or reason.
For example, the story describes the villagers gathering in the town square for the ritual, which has remained unchanged for many years. The use of a black box as a traditional symbol, despite it being faded and worn out, also emphasizes the villagers' attachment to the tradition. Mr. Summers, who conducts the lottery, has often suggested that they create a new box since the original is becoming shabby. However, no one wants to upset tradition by introducing something new.
The steadfast resistance to change and clinging on to violent tradition depicts the villagers' irrational attitude towards tradition. Hence, the setting details in 'The Lottery' effectively contribute to illustrating a society bound by tradition.
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