Themes: The Relationship Between Civilization and Violence
Another theme in “The Lottery” is that civilization and violence are not mutually exclusive. Against the backdrop of a seemingly-peaceful town, the brutal killing of Tessie Hutchinson stands out as an especially violent act. But for the characters in the story, it is little more than an annual tradition. The apathetic approach that the villagers take towards Tessie’s killing highlights the fallacy of thinking that civilization prevents violence. Jackson uses this contrast between the peaceful village and the violent death to suggest that systemic violence is perpetrated within civilization.
“The Lottery” was published in 1948. In the wake of World War II, most Americans associated violence with external threats, such as Nazi Germany or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. American nationalism was on the rise as the country came together against a perceived external threat. “The Lottery” challenges that narrative by crafting a story where there is no direct villain or antagonist. Mr. Summers, the lottery officiant, is not a menacing villain. He wears blue jeans and is described as “round-faced” and “jovial.” There is no single person to blame for Tessie’s death. Instead, a commonly accepted social custom leads a town of otherwise ordinary people to kill an innocent woman.
This theme of civilization begetting violence is further explored through the characters of Mrs. Delacroix and Bobby Martin. Mrs. Delacroix is the first to greet Tessie in the square. Mrs. Delacroix reassures her that the lottery has not yet begun. Based on this interaction, the two women appear to be friends. However, after Tessie is chosen as the lottery winner, Mrs. Delacroix picks up a stone so large that she needs “both hands” to lift it. She also encourages the other townsfolk to “hurry up” with the stoning. Once Tessie is chosen, Mrs. Delacroix’s apparent civility vanishes, and she readily joins in the killing of Tessie. The lottery is a form of state-sanctioned violence, so the villagers do not consider it murder. Mrs. Delacroix’s easy acceptance of Tessie’s death suggests that even the most civilized people will happily commit violent acts if they are sanctioned by society.
Bobby Martin and the other village children show how societal indoctrination perpetuates systemic violence. For the village children, the lottery is akin to a festival. They arrive early to the square and gather the pile of stones that will later be used to kill someone. Furthermore, children are also eligible to win the lottery. Before they have time to develop their own ideals or morals, the children are taught that “there’s always been a lottery” by their elders. This lifelong exposure makes them less likely to question the practice. Instead, they will accept it as a fact of life, just as their elders did. This creates a cycle of violence that is perpetuated by each generation. However, the Adams family offers a glimpse of hope: other towns have begun to reject the lottery. This suggests that though progress is slow, it will eventually prevail.
Expert Q&A
The significance, purpose, and mechanics of the lottery in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."
The lottery in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" serves as a ritualistic tradition meant to ensure a bountiful harvest. Its significance lies in its critique of blind adherence to tradition, as the townspeople participate without questioning its morality. Mechanically, the lottery involves drawing slips of paper to select a "winner," who is then stoned to death, highlighting the brutal consequences of unexamined customs.
Modern parallels to the events in "The Lottery"
Modern parallels to the events in "The Lottery" include societal practices that continue without question, such as hazing rituals, certain political policies, and systemic discrimination. These practices persist because of tradition, social pressure, or perceived necessity, much like the lottery in the story, despite their potentially harmful consequences.
"The Lottery" and its commentary on societal values and real-life attitudes
"The Lottery" criticizes blind conformity and societal values by depicting a community that upholds a cruel tradition of human sacrifice. Jackson uses this extreme scenario to highlight the dangers of mob mentality, scapegoating, and unthinking adherence to tradition. The story urges readers to question inherited practices and societal norms, suggesting that failure to do so risks perpetuating cruelty and losing our humanity.
Why is the major conflict in "The Lottery" person versus society?
Person versus society is the major conflict in "The Lottery" because the conflict revolves around Tessie Hutchinson's struggle against her town, the citizens of which insist on observing a ritual of sacrifice each year in blind adherence to tradition.
Was it right to force the youth to participate in "The Lottery"?
Forcing youth to participate in "The Lottery" highlights the theme of learned cruelty and societal norms in Shirley Jackson's story. The children are conditioned to view this violence as normal, reflecting the absence of societal self-reflection. While this might be considered child abuse today, the lottery is seen as a communal, equal opportunity event, with no specific intent to harm children. The issue lies not only in involving children but in the lottery's inherent immorality, affecting all participants.
Why are the townspeople holding the lottery?
The townspeople hold the lottery due to a strong adherence to tradition and fear of change. They continue the practice without questioning its purpose, reflecting archaic rituals like those for harvest success. Despite its violent outcome, the lottery persists because challenging it threatens societal norms. This story critiques blind adherence to outdated customs, highlighting the danger of unexamined traditions. Participants fear the consequences of abandoning the lottery more than the act itself.
Are there indications of violence in "The Lottery" outside of the final five paragraphs? What might this suggest given the story's conclusion?
In "The Lottery," there are no indications of violence before the final paragraphs. The town's activities are depicted as mundane, with Mr. Summers organizing both the lottery and community events like dances. This normalcy highlights the townspeople's acceptance of the lottery as routine. The nonchalant attitude toward the ritual suggests their unquestioning adherence to tradition, underscoring how deeply ingrained and unchallenged this violent practice remains in their society.
Moral Justification of Murder in "The Lottery"
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," the annual ritual of stoning a chosen individual can be seen as a collective act of murder. While the townspeople consider it a cultural norm and a tradition that must be upheld, the act is ultimately an intentional and premeditated killing without moral justification. Despite the absence of individual accountability, the entire community participates, highlighting the dangers of mindless adherence to tradition. The lottery's purpose has become obsolete, rendering the act a meaningless and inexcusable murder.
What might Shirley Jackson's agenda be in "The Lottery"? Consider these interpretations: primitive fertility rite, Holocaust reference, military draft satire, or a meaningless memorable story.
The Role and Importance of the Scapegoat in "The Lottery"
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," the scapegoat concept is crucial as it allows the villagers to channel their blame and violence without guilt. This ancient ritual, akin to the biblical scapegoat, involves stoning a randomly chosen person to ensure crop fertility, as reflected in the saying, "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon." Tessie Hutchinson becomes the story's scapegoat, highlighting societal tendencies to unjustly blame individuals, often women, for communal problems.
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