The Lottery (novel)

The Lottery is a short story, not a novel, written by Shirley Jackson and first published in the June 26, 1948, issue of ''The New Yorker''. Its unexpected and shocking ending, depicting a seemingly idyllic village's annual ritualistic stoning of a randomly selected member, has cemented its place in literary history and popular culture. While not a novel, its impact and frequent misidentification as such necessitate this entry.

Plot Summary

The story takes place in a small, seemingly ordinary American village on a summer morning. The villagers gather in the square for their annual lottery. The process involves each family head drawing a slip of paper from a black box. The suspense builds as the villagers wait to see who will draw the marked slip. Tessie Hutchinson, initially jovial, becomes terrified upon discovering she has drawn the marked slip and is subsequently stoned to death by her family and neighbors.

Themes

• Blind adherence to tradition: The lottery highlights the dangers of unquestioningly following traditions passed down through generations, even when those traditions are barbaric and cruel.
• Scapegoating and mob mentality: The villagers' willingness to participate in the stoning demonstrates the power of groupthink and the ease with which individuals can become complicit in violence.
• The nature of evil: The story explores the insidious nature of evil and how it can exist within seemingly ordinary communities. The villagers' seemingly normal lives contrast sharply with the brutal act they perform.
• Social conformity and the suppression of individuality: Tessie's protests come too late, highlighting the suppression of individual voices in the face of powerful group pressure.

Critical Reception and Legacy

The story's shocking conclusion provoked outrage and controversy upon its publication, and continues to generate discussion and analysis. It is frequently studied in literature classes to explore themes of conformity, violence, and the dangers of unquestioned tradition. Its impact on readers is a testament to Jackson's masterful storytelling and unsettling depiction of human nature. The story’s enduring popularity and frequent anthologization has led to it being frequently mistaken for a novel.

See Also

• Shirley Jackson
• Short Story
• Literary Criticism