Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” published in 1948, is a short story set in a small and seemingly typical community that performs an annual lottery ritual.
The townspeople seem to be in a celebratory mood as they congregate, although conflict underpins their relationships.
Every household draws slips of paper to reveal a “winner” who is subsequently stoned to death by the community.
This startling ending exposes the negative aspects of conformity and tradition, therefore challenging readers to consider society’s standards and the nature of human aggression.
The narrative exposes the possibility of violence in daily life and questions mindless loyalty to traditions. Examining Jackson’s book offers a strong reflection on the dehumanizing nature of society’s rituals and the perils of unquestioned compliance.
Emphasizing how common people can engage in violence when mindlessly following tradition, the story’s modest environment contrasts strongly with its terrible ending.
The lottery shows how societies can preserve cruel behaviors in the guise of tradition by symbolizing arbitrary justice and the scapegoating system seen in many civilizations.
Jackson’s use of foreshadowing — through minute cues and the villagers’ nervous behavior — creates a sense of approaching catastrophe that culminates in the startling turnabout.
This study of human nature and social complexity challenges readers to explore the moral implications of their own views and deeds.
Jackson gained popularity with her short stories and books that regularly explore darker corners of human nature.
Her investigation of the nuances of gender roles, identity and the supernatural changed the psychological horror subgenre.
Among her best-known works is “The Haunting of Hill House,” which was adapted into a Netflix series.
