Essay On The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

Would you ever follow a tradition, even if you knew it was wrong on so many levels? In Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver, Jonas discovers the cruel and harsh traditions followed by his community and develops hatred for the way his society functions. In the short story, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the reader is introduced to a tradition done every year by the villagers of a town, for they are pushed by Old Man Warner to do so; sacrificing an innocent villager for a good harvest. Hence, Jackson and Lowry both highlight how tradition can blind the truth and the reality of innocent people. Lowry presents the message of tradition, blinding people through dialogue. In the novel, when a person is released, they are put to death by poison, but not

Jonas’ family, at the moment, are all in favor of Gabriel's release. Although Mother and Lily might not know exactly what happens during a release, they are still willing to let a toddler go away, alone. Jonas’ family is so used to the concept of a release, they don’t bother to thoroughly think it through ; they are completely shadowed by the reality of what actually happens during one. This process of killing innocents has been embedded in their minds. This message of following a tradition blindly can also be conveyed through the use of dialogue. Jackson uses characters to convey the message of tradition, blinding people. In her short story, Old Man Warner says, “‘Used to be a saying about ‘Lottery in June, corn will be heavy soon.’” (Jackson para 32). In the short story, the Lottery is a tradition carried out by the villagers where whoever “wins” gets stoned to death; for they believe this sacrifice brings them a good harvest. This tradition has been carried out for generations, according to Old Man Warner. Since it has been going on for a long time, the people are used to this ritual, they don’t care about the life they’re taking, but only care about the harvest that it will