Thoughts on "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson wrote an ironically brilliant piece that would allow you to shout for justice. The story is all about an old tradition in many villages wherein a yearly lottery is made. The lottery is not actually related to money. It is something that should be feared upon. Whoever will get the piece of paper with the black dot will be killed through stone throwing by all the villagers, young or old.

It is so ironic that the villagers are so excited for the annual activity. They were all tensed of course, but there is a sense of fulfillment every time a person got the black dot in a piece of paper.

In one particular village, wherein the population is only three hundred, members of several families excitedly assembled in the square which located between the post office and the bank. If you don't know the story, you would really think at first glance that the "lottery" is all about money and fame.

When Tessie Hutchinson won the lottery, all villagers rushed to throw stones towards her. As she stood in the middle of the square, all of them gathered to start the dreadful tradition.

Basically, the story is an example of injustice and ignorance. I'm not really sure of the history of the tradition. It wasn't stated in the story. But I suspect that the author wanted to share the irony of life, the nature of family relationships in times of adversity and death. Death is certain. However, there should be justice in every death. Since the villagers don't have law that support this maxim, then they're doing the most ridiculous custom and dreadful tradition.

In your case, how would you view the story?