Analysis of The Lottery Essay

The lottery

In the course of the narrative the lottery, Tessie Hutchinson encounters tragic elements due to her unprovoked absence. Furthermore, the dangers that are embedded into the traditions of the village advocate how double-crossing individuals can get as they pursue retribution for their loss, ultimately leading to tragedy.

The lottery inhabited by the village has built itself recognition by displaying violent murders annually after the announcing of ones which carry the winning ticket. Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example.(875). this act in which the children are filling their pockets of stones seems to be usual for a child to do, as they collect things that intrigue them. However, this innocence is false and the true purpose for these stones become evident as Tessies relaxed manner gets her stoned to death.

Jacksons conventional use of blindness also plays a significant role with tragedy. Having stated that this is a tradition developed yearly, the villagers have adapted themselves to the event of having a lottery. However, when blindness plays a role in this narrative, the villagers forget that lottery should essentially be about winning. Rather, its fabricated itself to become an event of murder, where stones also play a role with blindness. Every year, after the lottery, Mr. Summers began talking again about a new box, but every year the subject was allowed to fade off without anythings being done.(876). If a situation came upon the villagers where they would have been held to ask why they participate in point blank, they would generally have to come across the reason of why they have committed murder. The fact that all villagers carry that burden within themselves, ritual is the only vital explanation they have and need.

Similarly, allegories play a significant role in this narrative. The rocks, which make their appearance in the first section of the lottery, signify that something larger will occur during the course of the narrative. Hence, why smaller children carry small stones and adults carry larger stones near the end. The fact that the village people keep this function is a direct representation of survival for the fittest, as it serves to eliminate any individual from being guilty of murdering the winner

Arguably, the fear that lies within the villagers to change is a supposition to tragedy itself. The morality that builds up intuition and resistance in these villagers has trapped them. Although the tradition itself has little structural meaning, it still is improbable for these villagers to stop because it now becomes their fate. To sum up Jacksons view on this narrative, people must think for themselves. Once blinded to tradition, it is always apparent that why is never properly explained.

This horrendous act bestowed upon Tessie signifies the result of unthinking and uncritical obedience to the dictates of tradition that overwhelms any moral feedback villagers may have. Questionably, this narrative is more effective due to its conventions are implicit and not explicit because Jackson places them in precise order that adds to the tragic foreshadowing and build up of suspense.