Themes: The Vulnerability of the Individual
One of the central ideas of Shirley Jackson's “The Lottery” is that individuals are vulnerable to persecution by a group. Safety comes from being a part of a group. This theme is predominantly explored through Tessie’s experience as the winner of the yearly lottery. However, it is also explored more subtly through the experiences of the Watson and Dunbar families.
Generally speaking, the annual lottery breaks down the family and community bonds within the town and then builds them back up again. During the initial lottery, as the household heads draw slips, each family unit is pitted against all the others. The bonds between families remain, but the overarching community bond dissolves. This dissolution of community bonds is exemplified when Tessie calls for a redo of the initial lottery. She is willing to sacrifice another family as long as it means that her family is safe. After the first round of the lottery is over, the families who were not chosen can re-assimilate into the community.
However, the family that is chosen is now broken down into individuals. The narrative suggests a dissolution of family bonds as each member independently draws a slip. This is modeled when Tessie tries to insist that her married daughter participate as a part of the Hutchinson family. Rather than trying to protect her daughter, Tessie instead looks out for herself as an individual. Finally, after it is revealed that Tessie has drawn the marked slip, the rest of her family re-assimilates into the community. Tessie is left as the lone individual, expelled from the safety of the group. The town community is brought back together as everyone—including her family—stones Tessie to death.
Tessie’s expulsion from the collective results in a loss of sympathy, camaraderie, and bodily autonomy. Upon winning the lottery, Tessie is reduced to a town-wide obligation instead of a valued community member. Mr. Summers tells the townspeople to “finish quickly” so that everyone can return to their lives. Tessie’s death is not treated as a tragedy; rather, it is an inconvenient necessity. Her pleas fall on deaf ears. Her isolation from the community is so complete that someone even hands her youngest son, Dave, a handful of pebbles.
The experiences of the Dunbars and Watsons also speak to the perils of individuality. Tradition dictates that the patriarch draws for their family or household. In the cases of the Dunbars and Watsons, the patriarch is unavailable. So, both Mrs. Dunbar and the Watson boy must step in and draw. Narratively, the emphasis on these two families’ inability to conform to tradition suggests a level of vulnerability not extended to the other townsfolk. Both the Watson boy and Mrs. Dunbar are presented as nervous. Their unique family situations mark them as different from the rest of the town. In a similar sense, Tessie is set apart from the rest of the town on account of having arrived late. Her boisterous entrance, though initially met with good humor, disturbs the otherwise solemn air of the ceremony. While the Dunbars and Watsons break tradition out of necessity, Tessie’s actions mark her as transgressive. In a world ruled by tradition and conformity, Tessie singles herself out as an individual, increasing her vulnerability.
Expert Q&A
Why do the villagers in "The Lottery" continue following the blind tradition?
The villagers in "The Lottery" continue the tradition out of blind adherence to customs, despite its senselessness and brutality. This reflects how people often follow traditions without questioning their validity, as seen both in the story and real life. The lottery also fulfills a primitive need for violence, providing a socially acceptable outlet for savagery. Shirley Jackson uses the story to critique unexamined traditions and human nature's darker impulses, echoing historical atrocities like the Holocaust.
Can you provide examples of reluctance to reject outdated traditions in "The Lottery"?
In "The Lottery," the townspeople's reluctance to reject outdated traditions is evident. Despite some towns abandoning the lottery, Old Man Warner dismisses change, equating it to regressing to primitive times. The lottery box, made from pieces of its predecessor, symbolizes resistance to change, and only Mr. Summers convinces them to replace impractical wooden chips. The villagers' old-fashioned attire and forgotten ritual details further illustrate their adherence to obsolete customs.
What are the consequences of following the crowd in "The Lottery"?
In "The Lottery," following the crowd results in a lack of visible consequences for the villagers, except for the victim and their family. The community displays no remorse or emotional engagement, treating the event as a routine task to be completed swiftly before resuming daily activities. This indifference and callousness might themselves be subtle consequences, reflecting a societal detachment and cold-heartedness that Jackson highlights through her depiction of the villagers.
What are three reasons why "The Lottery" townspeople continue their tradition without knowing the original purpose?
The townspeople continue the lottery tradition primarily because they believe it is essential for their survival, as suggested by Old Man Warner's link between the lottery and crop success. Additionally, they maintain the tradition out of habit and fear of social ostracism if they question it. Lastly, there is a disturbing enjoyment in the ritual's violence, reflecting a deeper, unexamined savagery in human nature and a critique of blind adherence to tradition.
Are the townspeople in "The Lottery" influenced by others' actions?
Yes, the townspeople in "The Lottery" are influenced by the actions of those around them. This is perhaps most obvious when the townspeople start throwing stones at Mrs. Hutchinson at the end of the story, following Mrs. Delacroix's lead.
What is Jackson's purpose in creating a congenial setting with a horrifying event in "The Lottery", and what social comments is she making?
Jackson uses a familiar setting with a shocking event to highlight the dangers of blindly following tradition. In "The Lottery," she comments on societal tendencies to uphold outdated customs without understanding their origins, to find scapegoats, and to resist change. Her story, set post-World War II, critiques how people justify inhumanity for perceived greater goods, emphasizing how routine adherence to rituals can obscure their moral implications.
The stoning and death of Tessie in "The Lottery"
The stoning and death of Tessie in "The Lottery" serve as a powerful critique of blind conformity and the inhumanity that can arise from adhering to outdated traditions without questioning their morality or purpose. Tessie's fate highlights the random and senseless violence that can result from such societal practices.
The significance of Tessie's final scream and her challenge to the lottery
Tessie's final scream and her challenge to the lottery highlight the inherent injustice and brutality of the tradition. Her outcry underscores her realization of the lottery's arbitrary cruelty, even though she, like the others, accepted it until she became its victim. This moment emphasizes the theme of blind adherence to tradition and the potential for sudden, senseless violence in society.
Which character in "The Lottery" objects to violence due to its permanent evil?
The character in “The Lottery” that objects to violence is Steve Adams. He bravely brings up the idea that another village is “talking of giving up the lottery.” Through this statement, Adams suggests that his own village should perhaps stop this violent ritual or at least discuss ending its practice. Unlike Old Man Warner, Adams does not value the temporary "good" or benefits over the permanent evil of the violent lottery.
Interpretations, feelings, and behaviors of villagers regarding the lottery tradition in "The Lottery."
In "The Lottery," villagers display a range of interpretations, feelings, and behaviors regarding the lottery tradition. Some accept it unquestioningly, seeing it as a necessary ritual, while others exhibit nervousness or reluctance but still comply. Overall, the community's adherence to tradition overrides individual dissent, highlighting the powerful influence of societal norms on behavior.
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