Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

It is not uncommon for works of literature to be used as a way for authors to comment on different features of society. This aspect of social commentary can be seen very clearly in the short story “The Lottery.” In this story, Shirley Jackson creates a society that seems to revolve around an arbitrary, sacrificial tradition. It appears that this society has practiced this ritual since the forming of their community and they are reluctant to let go of the tradition. Some critics, like Amy Griffin, have argued that Jackson uses this violent ritual as a way to comment on the incessant violence present in society. By looking at different aspects of this short story, taking into account other secondary sources, and applying the themes present in

As Patrick Shields points out in his article, the motifs from “The Lottery” can be seen in the history of the location where the story appears to be set. It seems that “The Lottery” is set in New England, where the witch trials took place, these trials were ultimately “conducted out of fear” and consisted of selecting individuals from the community to be “executed as scapegoats for the good of the community” (Shields 413). This occurrence of using a single member from a community, whose innocence or guilt is of little relevance, to be sacrificed in order to benefit the “greater good” can be seen time and time again throughout history and literature

For example, the police violence against the peaceful protestors at Standing Rock is a prime example of state sanctioned violence. This example effortlessly showcases the unnecessary violence and inhumanity of man that Jackson displays in “The Lottery.” Despite the fact that the protestors at Standing Rock remain peaceful, they are met with violence from the very people that are supposed to protect society. This instance shows that not even individuals who have sworn to uphold the law are immune to the violent nature of humanity. Additionally, in America many minorities are used as scapegoats, like blaming the lack of jobs and poor economy on illegal immigrants. By claiming that immigrants are responsible for some of the negative aspects of America, the accusers are able to get a sense of relief, since they are not the ones causing themselves to be without a job, the blame is clearly on the scapegoat. This idea that Jackson introduces, that everyone has the potential to be violent, regardless of their age, gender, or profession, continues to be