Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery" does a great job disguising important clues. It is her subtle way of portraying what sounds like an innocent story that intrigues the reader. After reading "The Lottery" a popular initial reaction is to wonder why the ending is not obvious while reading through the rising action. It is not until one re-reads the story where the intricate details begin to lead to the surprising result of this odd …showed first 75 words of 1342 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1342 total…can discover that Jackson placed these items purposely. Her strategy of installing subtle clues throughout the story causes the reader to question the event throughout the story. The way she places these hints, allowing the reader to become suspicious, and then places contradicting clues directly after, shows her creative style. It is not until the very end of "The Lottery" that one fully understands that the tradition is a tragedy that takes place every year.