Introduction to
Shirley Jackson's
"The Lottery"
Shirley Jackson's chilling short story "The Lottery" is a powerful
exploration of the dangers of blind tradition and the potential for
violence within seemingly ordinary communities.
by Mark Ignacio
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Background and publication history of the story
Origins Publication Impact
Jackson wrote "The Lottery" in 1948, The story was first published in The The story became a cultural
drawing inspiration from her The New Yorker magazine on June phenomenon, sparking
experiences with small-town life and June 26, 1948. It was met with conversations about the nature of
the prevalence of ritualistic practices widespread shock and controversy. tradition, conformity, and societal
in her era. controversy. violence.
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Key elements and symbolism in "The Lottery"
1 The Black Box 2 The Lottery itself
The black box, a symbol of the ritual's history and its The lottery, a seemingly innocuous event, becomes a
connection to the past, represents the dangers of gruesome ritual of sacrifice, highlighting the dark side
clinging to tradition without critical thought. of human nature.
3 The Stones 4 The Village
The stones, initially used for the lottery, become tools The village setting, seemingly idyllic, masks the hidden
of violence, symbolizing the collective participation in violence and conformity within its community,
the ritual. highlighting the fragility of order and reason.
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Summary of the plot and events in the story
Opening 1
The story begins on a bright summer morning in a
small village where the annual lottery is about to
take place. 2 The Lottery
Villagers gather in the square, with families
participating in the ritual. Children gather stones,
The Drawing 3 signifying a darker purpose.
Each family draws a slip of paper from the black
box. Tessie Hutchinson, who arrives late, draws the
paper marked with a black dot. 4 Stoning
The villagers, now driven by tradition and
conformity, turn on Tessie, stoning her to death.
The story ends with this horrifying act.
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Analysis of the themes and societal
commentary
Blind Conformity Dangers of Tradition
The story criticizes the blind adherence Jackson emphasizes the dangers of
to tradition and conformity, where blindly following tradition without
villagers unquestioningly participate in a critical thought, highlighting how
violent ritual. tradition can mask violence and
inhumanity.
Human Nature
The story explores the darker aspects of human nature, suggesting that even in seemingly
ordinary communities, violence and brutality can lurk beneath the surface.
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Examination of the story's ending and its impact
Shock and Horror Unsettling Truth Enduring Legacy
The ending of "The Lottery" is Jackson's shocking ending forces the The story's powerful ending has had
deliberately shocking, leaving the reader to confront the a lasting impact on literature and
reader with a sense of unease and uncomfortable truth about the society, sparking ongoing discussions
horror. potential for violence within about the dangers of tradition and
seemingly ordinary societies. conformity.
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Scholarly citations and critical perspectives
Jackson, Shirley. "The Lottery." The Lottery and Other Stories. New York:
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1949, pp. 28-39.
Bloom, Harold. Shirley Jackson: The Bloom's Modern Critical Views. New
York: Chelsea House, 2003.
Dodd, Susan. The Novels and Stories of Shirley Jackson. New York:
Twayne Publishers, 1997.
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Conclusion and lasting significance of "The
Lottery"
"The Lottery" remains a powerful and timeless story, offering a chilling commentary on the dangers of unquestioning
conformity and the potential for violence within seemingly ordinary societies. Jackson's chilling narrative continues to provoke
thought and discussion about the complexities of human nature and the importance of critical thinking in the face of tradition.
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