Shirley Jackson’s short story The Lottery was first published in 1948. It is set in a small, unnamed village where the residents gather for an annual event called “the lottery.” Although the title suggests a prize or reward, the story reveals a shocking and unsettling tradition at its core. Through The Lottery, Jackson critiques blind adherence to tradition and exposes the darker side of human nature.
The Setting
The story takes place on a sunny June morning in a small village. The villagers are gathered in the town square for an event that seems routine and expected. The atmosphere appears peaceful, and the children are playing while the adults make casual small talk. The men discuss farming and the women gossip, creating a sense of normalcy.
The Lottery Begins
As the time for the lottery approaches, Mr. Summers, the man responsible for organizing village events, arrives carrying a black box. This box is old and worn out, but it holds deep significance for the villagers, as it contains slips of paper that determine the lottery’s outcome. Despite the box’s dilapidated condition, no one in the village dares to replace it, emphasizing their attachment to tradition.
The lottery begins with each household’s head, typically the man of the house, drawing a slip of paper from the black box. The process is methodical and orderly, with Mr. Summers calling each name and the heads of households stepping forward to draw their slips. There is a nervous energy among the villagers, but no one questions the tradition.
The Tension Builds
As the lottery proceeds, the tension in the air grows. The villagers remain uneasy but compliant. Tessie Hutchinson, one of the village women, arrives late, joking with her neighbors. However, once the lottery begins, she becomes noticeably anxious. When the drawing is completed, it is revealed that the Hutchinson family has drawn the marked slip of paper, singling them out for the final round of the lottery. Tessie immediately protests, claiming the process was unfair. Despite her objections, the villagers, including her own family, proceed with the next step.
The Final Draw
Now, each member of the Hutchinson family—Tessie, her husband, and their children—must draw another slip of paper from the box. This final round will determine which member of the family will “win” the lottery. As the papers are revealed, Tessie’s slip contains the black mark.
The Shocking Conclusion
The villagers quickly move into action. Tessie, realizing her fate, continues to protest, but her voice is drowned out by the crowd. Without hesitation, the villagers pick up stones that had been gathered earlier by the children. They begin to stone Tessie to death, following the tradition without any remorse. The story ends with Tessie’s final cry: “It isn’t fair, it isn’t right.”
Themes and Message
The Lottery reveals how blindly following tradition can lead to cruelty and violence. The villagers do not question why they continue the lottery; they simply follow it because it has always been done. The story serves as a powerful critique of conformity, mob mentality, and the dangers of unquestioned traditions. Jackson also explores the darker side of human nature, showing how ordinary people can commit horrific acts when they are part of a larger group.
Conclusion
Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery is a disturbing story that challenges readers to reflect on their own societal norms and customs. Its shocking ending forces readers to question how tradition and authority can shape behavior in harmful ways. Through simple and clear writing, Jackson presents a powerful message about the consequences of blind obedience to tradition, making the story both timeless and haunting.