In the story "The Lottery" the characters are acting as if the lottery will be a good thing. The title infers that they will be winning something. In most cases people enter a lottery to win a good prize.
As we read on in the story, one learns that the lottery is a bad thing. Winning means someones death by stoning. These are two elements that can be compared and contrasted; The pre and post impression of the concept of the lottery.
Another literary element is the element of irony which relates to the before and after of the lottery.
Tessie's reaction to the lottery is a literary element that also presents irony. When she believes that someone else will be chosen she is happy to be at the event and is in favor of the lottery. However, when she realizes it has been narrowed down to her own family, she suddenly does not want to be a part of it anymore.