The Lottery

Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery" depicts a seemingly average village with average citizens. The citizens of this village participate in an annual lottery in which the winner will be stoned to death. It is believed that the death of the winner will bring heartier crops to the village. Jackson introduces the lottery as a tradition that has been performed for many years The story stresses the importance of one aspect of human nature, which …

…to give a "real smile" (70) as Dee leaves. This shows that people do have the ability to change from their inherently bad ways. Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" outlines more than just a cruel tradition; it outlines the need for evolution upon a civilization and the human race. It is a call for compassion for others. Jackson wants us to know that we can rid ourselves of our inherent evil, and change society for the better.