Why People Were So Disturbed By 'The Lottery'

Why People Were so Disturbed by “The Lottery” June 26, 1948. The day hundreds of people canceled their subscriptions to the famous newspaper, “The New Yorker,” because of one story. Written by Shirley Jackson, this story represents the gruesome truth of how far people will really go because of superstition. Before the audience even reads the short story titled, “The Lottery,” readers are already fooled by the name. The story is about a spine-chilling tradition that includes choosing a resident of their town to become the next sacrifice in order to bring good harvest. The lottery isn’t a game, nor is it something you win. It is something you lose. Many people read this tale and were so disturbed that they actually canceled their subscriptions

It’s human nature to worry about things and be superstitious. Communities deal with it in many different ways, but one of the most repulsive ways is represented through “The Lottery.” The residents in this story believe that if they don’t pelt someone with stones to death every year, they won’t get a good harvest. “‘The Lottery’ forces us to address some unpleasant aspects of human nature such as people’s obedience to authority and tradition and their willingness to carry out evil acts in the name of superstition.” (“A Summary and Analysis of Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery'’” - Interesting Literature”) The story highlights the traits of a human that are purposely not looked at. Then suddenly this story comes along that emphasizes this horrible truth about people. That they are willing to give up anything over something that is merely a delusion. “The story illustrates the potential for evil in the ordinary person, especially if it’s carried out as part of a cherished irrational belief.” (“Analysis and themes of ‘the Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson” - Owlcation) Superstition can sprout evil in even the kindest