The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

Traditions are something that everyone has practiced since childhood. Whether they have been around for a long time or were only started recently, they are the one event that individuals look forward to throughout the year. People often consider traditions to be enjoyable times; however, not all traditions are pleasant or relaxing; others have a bitter aftertaste. In "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, she portrays a century-old custom inside a close-knit community that is tearing people apart rather than bringing them together. Shirley Jackson portrays how society is willing to adhere to practices without understanding or questioning their rationale. The lottery, which has existed since the beginning of time, brings every resident of

Tessie Hutchinson, one of the villagers, was late to the lottery; she claimed that she "forgot what day it was," and she was busy cleaning the dishes because she didn't want to "leave" them for her husband. This explanation made no sense at first, but after learning what the lottery truly is, it became clear that she meant she wanted to avoid leaving the dishes for her husband in case her name got drawn and she was killed. When Tessie's husband Bill”s name was announced to go draw a ticket, he was anxious, but Tessie hurried him, "Get up there, Bill," and the people near her laughed. After each man opened the ticket, Bill Hutchinson’s family was chosen. In this instance, Tessie, his wife, reveals her true nature, demonstrating her hypocrisy and self-centeredness by pleading with everyone that her husband wasn't given enough time to choose while simultaneously rushing him to draw. In the midst of all the pleading, there was a voice that whispered, "Shut up, Tessie." It was Bill who had accepted the family's fate. When it came time for her family to draw names for the seasonal sacrifice, she still behaved shamelessly by asking her married daughter to join them, but everyone objected because her daughter was no longer considered a member of the family. The Hutchinson family was encircled by the villagers, who were all ecstatic and anxious to learn who would be the sacrifice. The five family members opened their tickets one at a time. Tessie was the sacrifice. Tessie was pleading for her life, but the reader can assume from her personality that if it had been anyone else, Tessie would have stoned them without thinking twice. The villagers started gathering rocks when someone "gave little Davy Hutchinson a few pebbles," implying that her own son was required to stone her as well. There was no sympathy for Tessie from anyone. This custom could have been halted,