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The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a classic short story that explores themes of tradition, conformity, and the dark side of human nature. Published in 1948, the story initially appears to depict a small town\“s annual lottery tradition but gradually reveals a shocking and brutal ritual.
The story begins with a cheerful description of a summer day in a small village where residents gather for the annual lottery. Children collect stones while adults engage in casual conversation, creating an atmosphere of normalcy and community bonding.
As the lottery proceeds, Jackson masterfully builds tension through subtle details and the villagers\“ nervous behavior. The ritual follows strict traditional procedures, with the black box representing generations of unquestioned tradition. Each family draws a slip of paper from the box, and the family that draws the marked paper must then participate in a second drawing where one member is selected as the “winner.“
The shocking climax reveals that the “winner“ of the lottery is stoned to death by the entire community, including friends and family members. This brutal ending serves as Jackson\“s powerful commentary on blind adherence to tradition, mob mentality, and the human capacity for violence when justified by social norms.
Jackson\“s use of symbolism is particularly effective. The black box represents the outdated and decaying nature of the tradition, while the stones symbolize the collective responsibility and cruelty of the community. The story\“s setting in a seemingly ordinary American town makes the horrific conclusion even more disturbing and thought-provoking.
The Lottery continues to be widely studied and discussed for its exploration of social conformity, the dangers of unquestioned traditions, and the psychological dynamics that enable ordinary people to commit extraordinary acts of violence. Jackson\“s masterpiece remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the importance of questioning established practices and resisting peer pressure. |
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Post time 2025-11-19 20:12:27