TL;DR
A small village conducts a yearly lottery to select a sacrificial victim, exposing the dangers of blind adherence to tradition.
What is The Lottery about
'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is a short story that explores the sinister side of human nature and societal norms. Set in a seemingly idyllic village, the annual lottery determines who will be stoned to death by the community members. The story delves into themes such as the power of tradition, the randomness of persecution, and the inherent violence in human societies. Written in 1948, it serves as a critique of conformity and unexamined rituals.
The Lottery 5 Key Takeaways
Introduction to the Village
The story begins with the villagers gathering for the annual lottery. The atmosphere is casual and anticipatory, masking the true nature of the event.
The Lottery Procedure
Mr. Summers, the village leader, conducts the lottery with a black box filled with slips of paper. Each family draws a slip, awaiting the outcome with mixed emotions.
The Hutchinson Family is Chosen
Bill Hutchinson draws the marked slip, prompting his family to draw again to determine the individual 'winner.' Tessie Hutchinson protests the fairness of the drawing.
Tessie Hutchinson 'Wins' the Lottery
In a cruel twist, Tessie draws the slip with the black dot, making her the 'winner.' The village quickly turns on her, gathering stones for the final act.
The Stoning of Tessie Hutchinson
Despite her protests and the community's casual demeanor, Tessie is stoned to death by her fellow villagers, including her own family members.
Top The Lottery Quotes
- "Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones."
Who should read The Lottery?
This book is ideal for readers interested in psychological and sociological themes, especially those who enjoy stories that critique societal norms and human behavior. It is also a must-read for fans of classic literature and short stories.
The Lottery Best Reviews
- "A chilling tale of conformity gone mad, Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery' is a timeless critique of societal norms and the dangers of blind tradition." - The New York Times
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The Lottery FAQs
What is the point of 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson?
The main theme of 'The Lottery' is the power of tradition and ritual. It critiques how people blindly follow customs without understanding their origins or questioning their morality.
Who won 'The Lottery' in the book 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson?
In a cruel twist, Tessie Hutchinson is the 'winner' of the lottery, leading to her being stoned to death by the villagers.
How long is 'The Lottery' story?
'The Lottery' is a short story that spans 32 pages in its illustrated edition published by The Creative Company in 2008.