The Lottery Shirley Jackson Pdf: The Lottery” is a short story written by Shirley Jackson. It was first published in 1948 and has since become one of her most famous works. The story revolves around a small village that holds an annual lottery, which seems to be a traditional event for the townspeople.
The story begins on a summer day in the village, where the townspeople gather in the central square for the lottery. The lottery is conducted by Mr. Summers, a prominent figure in the village. The villagers assemble, and the children excitedly collect stones and make piles in the square.
The lottery is portrayed as a regular and accepted part of the villagers’ lives, with the belief that it brings good fortune to the community. The tension builds as the lottery commences, and each head of the household is called forward to draw a slip of paper from the black box. The slips are then opened, and the person who draws the slip with a black dot is designated as the “winner.”
The story takes a dark turn when the “winner” is revealed. The person selected is Tessie Hutchinson, a seemingly ordinary woman who begins to protest against the lottery’s fairness. The townspeople, including her own family members, turn against her, and the lottery’s true nature is revealed.
In a shocking twist, the lottery is not a prize or celebration but rather a ritualistic sacrifice. The winner of the lottery is stoned to death by the villagers as a means of ensuring a good harvest for the year. The story concludes with Tessie’s grim fate, highlighting the senseless and brutal nature of the lottery tradition.
“The Lottery” is often interpreted as a critique of blind adherence to tradition, the dangers of conformity, and the potential for violence in seemingly ordinary communities. It raises questions about the nature of society, the role of individuals in upholding harmful practices, and the power of groupthink.
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” remains a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that challenges readers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature and societal norms.
