The Lottery

A detailed Summary of The Lottery

Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery" depicts a seemingly average village with average citizens. The citizens of this village participate in an annual lottery in which the winner will be stoned to death. It is believed that the death of the winner will bring heartier crops to the village. Jackson introduces the lottery as a tradition that has been performed for many years The story stresses the importance of one aspect of human nature, which is that people are inherently bad, but do have the ability to change.

"The Lottery" tells that it is not tradition but ignorance and savagery which justify the ritual. In the beginning of the story Jackson paints a picture of a normal village getting ready to celebrate a joyous occasion. She goes further by setting the time of the event. "The people of the village began to gather in the square. . . so it can begin at ten o'clock in the morning and still be through in time to allow the villagers to get home for noon dinner" (78). The villagers' acceptance of the lottery and its schedule is justified by tradition. However, although not mentioned in the in

There is a small ray of hope that some less savage features of humanity still exist in the village. This is exhibited in a conversation between Old Man Warner and Mr. Adams. Before Old Man Warner cuts him off, Mr. Adams briefly mentions other villages that are either talking of giving up the lottery or have already done so. Probably out fear, he does not suggest that they give it up. The fact that he hints at the possibility indicates a sense of guilt about what they are preparing to do. Mr. Adams's represents the village's best humane impulse; an impulse of tender and compassionate feelings towards those who are helpless or suffering. The mere action of the lottery, however, suppresses that impulse in the villagers.

Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" outlines more than just a cruel tradition; it outlines the need for evolution upon a civilization and the human race. It is a call for compassion for others. Jackson wants us to know that we can rid ourselves of our inherent evil, and change society for the better.

troduction this seemingly normal village is preparing for a murder. Th

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 746
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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The Lottery

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