The Lottery By Shirley Jackson Analysis Essay Example

the text, "Every year, after the lottery, Mr. Summers began discussing a new box, but each year the topic was dropped without any action being taken" (128). The community members were adamant about avoiding any alterations to the ritual due to their fear of the unknown consequences it may bring. The origin of the lottery remained unknown to everyone, yet they continued to adhere to it simply because it had always been that way.

Furthermore, Jackson's incorporation of stones in the narrative added imagery that aided in the reader's visualization of the story. The characters lacked compassion for one another, never pausing to question the morality of their actions. Rather, they approached Tessie Hutchinson to commence the stoning without hesitation. "Tessie Hutchinson was now in the center of a cleared space, extending her hands desperately as the village people closed in on her. 'It's not fair,' she protested. A stone struck her on the side of her head" (132).

In the midst of the story, it appeared that Mrs. Hutchinson and Mrs. Delacroix were friendly with each other, as they engaged in conversation and shared laughter. Mrs. Hutchinson arrived hastily at the square, wearing her sweater on her shoulders, and joined the crowd towards the back. She admitted to Mrs. Delacroix that she had completely forgotten what day it was, to which they both softly chuckled (128). Despite this camaraderie, Mrs. Delacroix expressed great excitement and happiness towards the ceremony. Additionally, she was the one who selected the heaviest stone for the Brutal Stoning Ceremony of Mrs. Hutchinson.

Mrs. Delacroix chose a large stone that required both hands to lift, and called out to Mrs. Dunbar, urging her

to hurry (132). The act of stoning is not only a horrifying form of execution, but also a communal one. This tradition reveals that every villager willingly participates in the ritual. Similarly, we have been taught that the color white represents peace, purity, and happiness, while the color black symbolizes evil, sadness, and death.

The White Slips symbolized life, while the black dot on those white slips represented the death of the person. According to the passage, "Bill Hutchinson went over to his wife and forcefully took the slip of paper from her. It had a black spot on it, which Mr. Summers had made the previous night using a heavy pencil in the coal-company office" (132). Additionally, it is mentioned that Mrs. Hutchinson's selfishness led her to attempt to make her daughters pick a lottery as well, even though it is common for daughters to pick their lotteries with their husbands.

“There are Don and Eva,” Mrs. Hutchinson shouted, urging for their participation. "Make them take their chance, Tessie," Mr. Summers interjected calmly. "You know as well as anyone else that daughters draw with their husbands' families" (131). The indifference of the villagers was palpable; they simply wanted the lottery to be over and done with. "All right, folks," Mr. Summers declared, keen on swiftly wrapping up the proceedings (131). The bystanders failed to consider the impact this would have on Tessie Hutchinson's children. How heartbroken they would be witnessing their mother's death before their very eyes, powerless to save the person who gave them life.

In summary, Shirley Jackson, the author of "The Lottery," employs symbolism and imagery to demonstrate that

society can become tinged with sinister illusions as evil can manifest itself even in the most innocent setting. Moreover, the use of everyday items such as a black box, stones, and white slips of paper underscores how superstition plays a significant role in fostering narrow-mindedness and brutality among individuals. Occasionally, it is truly advantageous for us to stand apart from the masses in life.