Final answer:
In "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the mood transitions from peaceful and normal to tense and horrifying, with irony present in the contrast between the story's peaceful setting and violent conclusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," two distinct moods are created through her detailed description of the setting and the unfolding events of the story. The initial mood is one of a tranquil, seemingly normal small-town community gathering, which is conveyed through the vivid imagery of a sunny day and the casual behavior of the townspeople as they assemble for the lottery. As the story progresses, the mood shifts dramatically to one of tension and horror as the true nature of the lottery is revealed. This change is depicted through the increasing anxiety of the characters and the stark contrast to the seemingly idyllic opening.
The irony in the presence of these two moods lies in the juxtaposition of the ordinary setting with the chilling outcome of the lottery. While the reader might initially expect the lottery to be a positive event based on the peaceful setting, the story ultimately reveals a dark and violent tradition under the guise of community and tradition. The ironic twist is that the sunny day and cheerful atmosphere mask the brutal end of the story, creating a powerful commentary on the potential darkness beneath the surface of societal norms.
Shirley Jackson uses the setting and foreshadowing effectively to establish the story's initial mood, while the details and diction used as the plot develops subtly shift the mood to its grim conclusion. The stark contrast between the two moods contributes significantly to the story's overall impact and theme, engaging the reader and leaving a lasting impression of the text's deeper message.