The Lottery, a short story by Shirley Jackson, is one of the most famous and controversial works of American literature. It was first published in The New Yorker magazine in 1948 and has been anthologized many times since then. The story is set in a small village where the residents gather annually to hold a lottery. However, the winner of the lottery is not rewarded but is instead stoned to death by the other villagers.
The Lottery is often interpreted as an allegory, a literary device in which characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. In this case, the story is seen as a commentary on the dangers of blindly following tradition and the human capacity for violence. The author uses symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the narrative. The black box used to hold the lottery, the stones used as weapons, and the ominous presence of the villagers all contribute to the story’s ominous tone.
Historical Context of ‘The Lottery’
Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery” was published in The New Yorker in 1948. The story is set in a small town in America, where the villagers gather every year to participate in a lottery. The winner of the lottery is stoned to death by the other villagers. The story garnered a highly negative response from readers, many of whom sent angry letters to The New Yorker.
The story was written in the aftermath of World War II, during a time when many people were questioning the morality of their society. The horrors of the war had exposed the dark side of human behavior, and many people were struggling to come to terms with what they had witnessed. Jackson’s story can be seen as a commentary on the dangers of blindly following tradition and the need for individuality in a society.
The story also reflects the cultural and historical context of its time. Culture and history have always remained an important influence on literature. Literature has always mirrored the two forces that can be both cruel and inspiring in their own ways. Jackson’s The Lottery can also be seen in this context. Culture is a powerful influence on people’s lives which are bound by traditions and customs.
Main Themes in ‘The Lottery’
Tradition and Ritual
In “The Lottery,” Shirley Jackson explores the theme of tradition and ritual. The villagers in the story have been participating in the annual lottery for as long as they can remember, and they continue to do so without questioning its purpose or meaning. This blind adherence to tradition is evident in the way the villagers go about their preparations for the lottery, from the gathering of stones to the drawing of names. The lottery is seen as an essential part of the community’s identity, and any attempt to change or question it is met with resistance.
The Power of Conformity
Another theme in “The Lottery” is the power of conformity. The villagers in the story are all expected to participate in the lottery, and anyone who questions or resists this expectation is seen as an outsider. The fear of being excluded from the community is a powerful motivator for conformity, and it is this fear that keeps the villagers participating in the lottery year after year. This theme is also evident in the way the children in the story are taught to conform to the expectations of their elders, even when those expectations are harmful or senseless.
Fear of Change
Finally, “The Lottery” explores the theme of fear of change. The lottery is seen as a way of maintaining the status quo, and any attempt to change or challenge it is met with hostility. The villagers are afraid of the unknown, and they cling to the lottery as a way of preserving their way of life. This fear of change is also evident in the way the villagers react to the arrival of outsiders, such as Mr. Summers’ suggestion to use a new box for the drawing of names. The villagers resist this change, preferring to stick with the old ways, even if they are harmful or senseless.
Character Analysis and Allegory
Tessie Hutchinson
Tessie Hutchinson is a character in “The Lottery” who is stoned to death by her fellow villagers. She is portrayed as a victim of the village’s tradition, which is an allegory for the dangers of blindly following tradition without questioning its morality. Tessie is a symbol of the innocent victim who is sacrificed for the sake of tradition. Her character represents the dangers of groupthink and the importance of individuality.
Old Man Warner
Old Man Warner is the oldest member of the village and the staunchest supporter of the lottery. He represents the dangers of being too attached to tradition and the fear of change. His character symbolizes the resistance to progress and the fear of the unknown. Old Man Warner’s attitude towards the lottery reflects the attitudes of the villagers towards their tradition.
The Lottery as a Whole
“The Lottery” is an allegory for the dangers of blindly following tradition without questioning its morality. The lottery itself is a symbol of the dangers of groupthink and the importance of individuality. The black box, which contains the slips of paper with the names of the villagers, represents the power of tradition and the fear of change. The stones used to kill Tessie Hutchinson represent the violence that can result from blindly following tradition.
Symbolism in ‘The Lottery’
‘The Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson is a short story that has been widely recognized as an allegory for the dangers of blindly following tradition. The story is set in a small village where the residents gather annually for a lottery that results in the stoning of one of their own. The story is filled with symbolism that adds to the overall message of the story.
The Black Box
The black box is a central symbol in the story. It is an old, worn-out box that has been used for the lottery for as long as anyone can remember. The box represents the tradition that the villagers are blindly following. The black color of the box symbolizes death and the seriousness of the ritual. The box also represents the villagers’ connection to the warped tradition of the lottery.
Stones
The stones that are used to stone the chosen person to death are another important symbol in the story. The stones represent the villagers’ participation in the ritual and their willingness to carry out the tradition, even if it means taking the life of one of their own. The stones also represent the collective guilt of the villagers for their role in the lottery.
Names
The names of the characters in the story are also symbolic. The name of the lottery’s winner, Tessie Hutchinson, is a reference to Anne Hutchinson, a woman who was banished from the Puritan community for her beliefs. Tessie’s name symbolizes the danger of going against tradition and the consequences that come with it. The names of the other characters, such as Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves, also have symbolic meanings that add to the overall message of the story.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Works
“The Lottery” is often compared to George Orwell’s “1984,” which also explores the dangers of blindly following tradition and the consequences of a society that values conformity over individuality. Both works depict a society that is willing to sacrifice individuals for the sake of the greater good and highlight the importance of questioning authority.
Another work that shares similarities with “The Lottery” is William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies.” Both stories demonstrate how easily humans can turn on each other and how quickly society can devolve into chaos when people are given too much power.
Modern-Day Parallels
Despite being written in 1948, “The Lottery” still holds relevance in modern society. The story’s themes of blindly following tradition and the dangers of groupthink are especially pertinent in today’s political climate.
One modern-day parallel can be seen in the rise of nationalism and the glorification of the past. Many countries around the world are experiencing a resurgence in nationalism, with leaders using rhetoric that emphasizes the importance of tradition and the need to return to a “golden age.” “The Lottery” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following tradition and the consequences of a society that values conformity over individuality.
Another modern-day parallel can be seen in the rise of cancel culture. Cancel culture is the practice of publicly shaming and boycotting individuals or groups who have said or done something deemed offensive. While cancel culture is often seen as a way to hold people accountable for their actions, “The Lottery” warns against the dangers of mob mentality and the importance of individual thought and action.
Reader’s Interpretation
When readers interpret “The Lottery,” they often focus on the allegorical meaning of the story. Some readers view the story as a commentary on blind obedience to tradition, while others see it as a criticism of the dangers of groupthink.
In the story, the villagers are so committed to the tradition of the lottery that they are willing to kill one of their own without question. This blind obedience to tradition can be seen as a warning against blindly following societal norms without questioning their morality or necessity.
Alternatively, some readers view the story as a warning against groupthink. The villagers in the story are so committed to the tradition of the lottery that they are unable to see the violence and harm that it causes. This can be seen as a warning against the dangers of groupthink, where individuals are so committed to a group or ideology that they are unable to see its flaws.
Critical Reception and Impact
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” has garnered significant critical reception since its publication in 1948. The story’s initial publication in The New Yorker received a highly negative response from readers due to its dark and disturbing subject matter. However, it has since become one of the most anthologized short stories in the world and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre.
The story’s allegorical nature has been the subject of much discussion and analysis. Many critics have interpreted the story as a commentary on the dangers of blindly following tradition and the need for individuality and independent thought. Others have seen it as a critique of the American Dream and the dark side of small-town life.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “The Lottery” has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has been adapted into numerous stage plays, radio dramas, and films, and has influenced countless other works of literature and media. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful message and enduring relevance.