Themes in Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

Introduction

Shirley Jackson's masterpiece, "The Lottery," provides a chilling depiction of a small town where a traditional event called "the lottery" takes place. In this essay, we will explore three major themes in the story: human nature, the influence of traditions on community, and gender roles. These themes are closely interconnected and shed light on people's attitudes towards important societal processes. By examining these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the negative aspects of human behavior.

The Major Themes

Jackson skillfully brings attention to the darker aspects of human nature, emphasizing these themes throughout the story. The first theme, human nature, is portrayed in a negative light. The cruelty exhibited in the event serves as a reflection of the violence that exists within individuals and their interactions with one another. The town, which appears ordinary on the surface, is desensitized to the stoning of the "winner," even involving children who willingly participate in collecting the "murder weapon." This theme reveals the inherent cruelty that lies within seemingly ordinary people.

The second central theme is the tradition of the lottery itself. This tradition complements the theme of human nature by exemplifying the negative influence traditions can have on society. Despite the lack of understanding regarding the origins and purpose of the event, the town continues to conduct it, disregarding the cruelty involved in taking a life. The black box, used to hold the paper slips with names, symbolizes society's inability to let go of outdated traditions. Despite discussions about replacing the box, the town persistently adheres to the cruel lottery. Through this theme, Jackson emphasizes the absurdity of blindly following traditions.

The third theme explores the family structure and gender roles within the town. Jackson highlights the dominant position of males in society by depicting the father as the one who draws the slip of paper. Additionally, daughters are expected to participate with their husbands' families, highlighting the social inequity between men and women. This theme exposes the unfairness of a male-dominated social structure within the town.

Conclusion

"The Lottery" is a thought-provoking piece of literature that unveils the negative aspects of human behavior. The three major themes of human nature, blind adherence to irrational traditions, and a male-dominated social structure are expertly portrayed throughout the story. The absence of reasons to continue the tradition and the normalization of violence in the lottery serve as evidence for the first two themes. The third theme is evident in the initial rules of the event, which establish the dominant position of males. Together, these themes shed light on the imperfections of human nature and societal structures. Jackson's work serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to reflect on the darker aspects of human behavior and the consequences of blindly adhering to harmful traditions.

References:

1. Jackson, S. (1948). The Lottery. The New Yorker. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1948/06/26/the-lottery