The Truth Of Tradition

4 Pages 1008 Words

In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the author uses irony to expand on a theme of traditions that continue although they are ludicrous and barbaric. The characters are honoring a tradition that is handed down to them from former generations. The reader is led through the seemingly normal and quaint little village, and is taken on a ride of ironic horror as he or she slowly grasps the eventual fate of one inhabitant of the village. Shirley Jackson also uses symbolism to make us aware of the pointless nature of humanity regarding tradition and violence. The title "The Lottery" implies a contest with a winner of some kind, like a sweepstakes. When in reality, the “Lottery” is not about what is won but what is lost.
The mood of the story at first seems almost festive. Then in small, but telling glimpses we are told that the men are smiling rather than laughing at the jokes, and the conversation among the bystanders turns to murmurs as the town official, Mr. Summers arrived in the square, carrying the "black box." Then the good-natured folk keep their distance and Mr. Summers must ask for help. There seemed to be a resigned air among the citizens. The narrator recounts a partial history of rituals involving the black box, complete with rumors of chants, recitals, stances, dim memories of the way the lottery used to be conducted. The reminiscing serves as a reminder to the villagers of the way things are and the way they have always been. The sheer weight of generations of villagers following the lottery tradition is felt. The mood of the people shifts from friendliness, to false boasting, to relief and finally nervous release as they fulfill the obligation of stoning the victim.
The village, by all appearances, seems to be a normal and ordinary place with its inhabitants meeting in a square with festival like intentions. Children are playing, men are talking about the rain and taxes, and the women are chatting am...