1. “The Lottery”
By Shirley Jackson

2. Background Characters Setting
Nameless New England village on a sunny day
June 10:00a.m.
Point of View
Third Person, detached
Characters
Mr. Summers
Mr. Graves
Old Man Warner
Mr. Hutchinson
Mrs. Hutchinson

3. Background Foreshadowing The gathering of stones by the children Irony
The title - suggests that one of the villagers will receive a prize
Irony (cont.)
The sunny day – suggests that a happy event is about to take place
Symbolism
The Black Box & Stoning – Outdated tradition

4. Themes
Reluctance of people to reject outdated traditions, ideas, rules, laws & practices
“We have always had a lottery as far back as I can remember. I see no reason to end it.”
Therefore, why change now?
Society wrongfully designates scapegoats to bear the sins of the community
Some believe that Tessie is stoned to death to appease forces desiring a sacrificial lamb offered in the atonement for the sins of others

5. Themes
The wickedness of the common man/woman can be just as shocking as the heinous crime of a serious killer
We become surprised to learn that the man, woman or even child next door has committed offenses so outrageous that we are left in disbelief
The unexamined life is not worth living
The townspeople refuse to examine their traditions & continue to take part in a barbaric ritual
Following the crowd can have disastrous consequences
By agreeing w/ the lottery, the people forfeit their individuality & send Tessie to her death