Write a 5 paragraph essay on The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson -
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a short story that highlights the dark side of human nature and the dangers of blindly following tradition. The story takes place in a small village, where every year the residents participate in a lottery to choose a sacrificial victim. It explores themes of conformity, mob mentality, and the power of tradition. Jackson's use of symbolism and her shocking twist ending make "The Lottery" a thought-provoking and haunting tale.
The story begins innocently enough, with the villagers gathering in the town square on a sunny summer day. The lottery is conducted by Mr. Summers, a jovial man who seems blissfully unaware of the true nature of the event. The townspeople seem to be going through the motions, seemingly uncaring about the potential consequences of the lottery. This indifference plays into the theme of conformity, as the villagers blindly follow tradition without questioning its purpose or morality.
As the lottery progresses, Jackson masterfully uses symbolism to hint at the true nature of the event. The black box in which the papers with the villagers' names are drawn from represents death, and the fact that it is old and shabby suggests that this tradition has been going on for a long time. The stones used to carry out the execution symbolize the villagers' participation in the act of murder. The use of symbolism throughout the story adds depth and reinforces the haunting tone.
The climax of the story comes with the shocking twist ending. The reader expects that the person chosen in the lottery will receive some kind of reward or honor, only to discover that the chosen person will be stoned to death. This unexpected turn of events forces the reader to question the blind acceptance of tradition and the potential for cruelty in human nature. It serves as a powerful reminder that following tradition without critical thinking can lead to dangerous outcomes.
"The Lottery" also explores the influence of mob mentality. Once the victim is chosen, the villagers quickly turn on them and become a violent mob. This shift in behavior highlights how easily people can be swayed by a group mentality, abandoning their own moral compass and blindly following the actions of others. This aspect of the story serves as a warning against the dangers of collective thinking and the potential for violence that comes with it.
In conclusion, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a chilling tale that exposes the dark side of human nature and the dangers of blindly following tradition. Jackson's use of symbolism and the shocking twist ending create a sense of unease and provoke thought long after reading the story. The themes of conformity, mob mentality, and the power of tradition make "The Lottery" a thought-provoking and haunting piece of literature that still resonates with readers today.