Thesis For The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

THE LOTTERY

By Shirley Jackson

Introduction Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is a dark and horror short story that was first published in 1948. The story reveals Mrs. Tessie Hutchinson's terrible experience when her village gathers for an annual event known as “the lottery,” which is a traditional practice that has been passed down for generations. Mrs. Hutchinson is described as an aggressive and argumentative mother who is also a loving mother to her children. She did not express her desire to prevent the lottery from being held until she realized someone in her family would be chosen and she attempted to avoid the ritual of infliction. The story mirrors the author’s realization of the brutal nature of tradition and to call out

The villagers are in a festive mood, and they chat, gossips and joke with one another as they wait for the lottery to start. Mr. Summers runs the lottery, and he is in charge of the slips of paper that contain the names of every villager. Each family creates a slip of paper, which is opened by the family’s head. The black dot on the slip indicates that the family has won the lottery. As the slips of paper are drawn, it becomes clear that the lottery is neither a game nor a prize. Tessie Hutchinson, the protagonist, wins the lottery at the end of the

Some of the aspects of the story are relevant to the author’s personal life. Such as exposure to the dystopian society with conformity, and experiences of discrimination all throughout the author’s life. Most of her writings are influenced by her fascination towards sorcery books. She has also troubled relationship with her parents during his younger years. She also experiences issues of infidelities towards her husband Stanley Edgar Hyman which resulted to her mental and physical illnesses. Nevertheless, Shirley Jackson wrote the story in order to bring awareness to the people the danger can be brought by saving some tradition that are frightful and