* The Setting and Atmosphere: The story begins with a sunny, bright summer day, a seemingly idyllic setting. This idyllic setting creates a stark contrast with the dark, unsettling events that will unfold, foreshadowing something amiss.
* The Children's Play: The children's playful collection of stones, while seemingly innocent, hints at the darker purpose they will serve later. Their excitement and eagerness to participate in the lottery, along with their indifference to the ritual's meaning, foreshadow a disturbing lack of empathy.
* The Ritualistic Nature of the Event: The description of the lottery as an "annual ritual" and the mention of "a long-standing tradition" immediately establishes a sense of unease. The word "ritual" itself often evokes images of ancient, potentially sinister practices, subtly foreshadowing the dark purpose of the lottery.
* The Underscoring of Tradition: The repeated emphasis on the lottery's age and tradition, along with phrases like "the people had forgotten the reason for the Lottery," creates a sense of blind adherence to a ritual whose original purpose may have been lost. This foreshadows the potential for the lottery to be a dangerous practice, a tradition continued out of habit rather than understanding.
Through these subtle yet effective techniques, Jackson builds a palpable tension and suspense in the first four paragraphs, leaving the reader with a feeling of unsettling anticipation, waiting for the inevitable reveal of the true nature of the lottery.