Traditions in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

Traditions play a crucial role in shaping societies and cultures. They often serve as a means of preserving history, passing down values, and maintaining social order. However, traditions can also be oppressive and perpetuate harmful beliefs and practices. In Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," the author explores the dark side of tradition through the annual ritual of the lottery. This essay will examine the symbolism of Old Man Warner in the story and how it contributes to the overall theme of blind adherence to tradition.

Paragraph 1: The introduction of Old Man Warner in "The Lottery" highlights the significance of tradition in the community. Old Man Warner, the oldest man in the village, symbolizes the deeply ingrained belief in the necessity of the lottery. He represents the voice of tradition, dismissing any suggestion of change or questioning of the ritual. For instance, when someone mentions that other towns have stopped conducting lotteries, Old Man Warner vehemently opposes the idea, stating, "Pack of crazy fools. Listening to the young folks, nothing's good enough for them" (Jackson, 1948). This reveals his unwavering commitment to the lottery and his fear of deviating from tradition.

Paragraph 2: The character of Old Man Warner also symbolizes the fear of change and the desire to maintain the status quo. Despite the brutality and senselessness of the lottery, Old Man Warner views it as a necessary evil. He believes that the lottery ensures a bountiful harvest and that abandoning it would result in disaster. This fear of change is evident when he declares, "Seventy-seventh time I been in the lottery... Used to be a saying about 'Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon'" (Jackson, 1948). Through this statement, Old Man Warner demonstrates his adherence to tradition, even in the face of mounting evidence against its effectiveness.

Paragraph 3: Moreover, Old Man Warner's symbolism extends beyond the immediate context of the lottery and reflects broader societal attitudes towards change and progress. His staunch defense of tradition aligns with the resistance to social and cultural advancements often seen in conservative communities. This is evident when he proclaims, "There's always been a lottery... People ain't the way they used to be" (Jackson, 1948). Here, Old Man Warner implies that any deviation from tradition is a sign of moral decline and a departure from the values that once held society together.

Paragraph 4: However, Old Man Warner's symbolism also exposes the ignorance and blindness that can accompany blind adherence to tradition. He represents the collective mindset of the villagers, who fail to question the purpose or consequences of the lottery. The line, "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon," demonstrates his superstitions and the illogical connection he makes between the lottery and the agricultural outcomes of the village (Jackson, 1948). This highlights the lack of critical thinking and the reliance on outdated beliefs that perpetuate harmful practices.

In "The Lottery," Shirley Jackson uses the character of Old Man Warner to symbolize the dangers of blind adherence to tradition. Through his unwavering commitment to the lottery, Warner represents the fear of change and the desire to maintain the status quo. His character also reflects broader societal attitudes towards progress and the resistance to questioning long-standing practices. However, Old Man Warner's symbolism also exposes the ignorance and blindness that can accompany blind adherence to tradition. As readers, we are reminded of the importance of critical thinking and the need to challenge oppressive traditions. "The Lottery" serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to examine the traditions we uphold and consider their implications in order to create a more just and progressive society.