Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is a chilling tale that has captivated readers for generations. Set in a small, idyllic village, the story initially appears to depict a quaint tradition where the winner is rewarded, yet the yearly lottery is one unlucky individual chosen for a grim fate. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that this harmless ritual holds deeper, darker truths about human nature. In Amy Griffin's exploration into “The Lottery” she says, “When no recollection of a ritual’s symbolism exists, the “mass psyche” becomes the “hypnotic focus of fascination, drawing everyone under its spell” (Griffin p.45). Griffin perfectly analyzes the lottery’s effect on the reader. What begins as a quaint gathering of townsfolk quickly …show more content…
In “The Lottery," the symbolic element of the lottery itself, serves as a chilling reminder of the darker aspects of human behavior, highlighting the potential for violence and oppression inherent in unchecked adherence to tradition. The lottery is very deceptive because when thinking of a lottery, the thought of oogles of money comes to mind first. With many people analyzing Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” the twisted thoughts of the author are revealed to trick the reader into a dark and twisted outcome. The lottery serves as an effective form of symbolism and makes the reader question what ingrained traditions they follow without questioning the morality of certain social norms. Amy Griffin says it best “Although civilized people may no longer hold lotteries, Jackson’s story illustrates that society’s tendency toward violence and its tendency to hold onto tradition, even meaningless, base tradition, reveal our need for both ritual and belonging.” (Griffin p.46). Griffin takes a deeper dive into what Jackson's fictional story illustrates about the harsh reality of what humans are truly capable