Traditions in the Lottery
The definition of tradition is the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice (Dictionary). Shirley Jackson, a science fiction writer, highlights how some society’s traditions are significant; however, the result of the event can create a dystopian society. There are important examples regarding tradition in the story of “The Lottery”. Tradition is exemplified through the stones and black box in the short story. On June 27th, it was a clear, sunny, and warm summer day. The children of the village began to prepare themselves for the lottery. Bobby Martin, one of the characters in the story, sets an example to the other boys for the special event. “Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example, selecting the smoothest and roundest stones” (Jackson). Without thinking and asking his parents what needs to done, Martin
…show more content…
The original paraphernalia for the lottery went missing a long time ago. On the other hand, the black box determines the winner. Mr. Summer writes the family name on a piece of paper and inserts it in the box. After choosing the head of the household, each member in that family picks a paper in the black box. The winner of the lottery will receive a black dot on the piece of paper. “The night before the lottery, Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves made up the slips of paper and put them in the box, and it was then taken to the safe of Mr. Summer’s coal company and locked up until Mr. Summers was ready to take it to the square next morning” (Jackson). Storing the black box in a safe place in case will help reduce the chances of it being stolen or destroyed. However, the box reveals the fate of taking someone’s life away. The black box is a significant item because it is used to determine the winner of The