Tradition as Theme of “The Lottery” by Jackson
Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery reveals how blind adherence to tradition can normalize cruelty and violence. The story begins with a seemingly peaceful village gathering, only to end in the brutal stoning of a community member. By portraying ordinary people transforming into merciless killers, Jackson emphasizes the dangers of conformism and the unquestioned acceptance of customs. This essay analyzes how setting, atmosphere, and symbolism highlight the destructive power of traditions when they are followed without critical thought.
References
Jackson, Shirley. “The Lottery.” Literature and Me, edited by Elizabeth McLitface et al. 10th ed, Pearson, 2018. pp. 1 – 8.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, September 27). Tradition as Theme of “The Lottery” by Jackson. https://studycorgi.video/tradition-as-theme-of-the-lottery-by-jackson/