Journal 2: Human Nature

The Lottery [Audiobook] | Shirley Jackson

The Lottery explores human nature deeply through its disturbing depiction of a seemingly ordinary village ritual. The story's setting is misleadingly calm, with a clear and sunny day on June 27th, contrasting the dark event that unfolds. This comparison between the peaceful environment and the violent ritual highlights the duality of human nature’s capacity for both civility and brutality. Symbolism is significant to the story, with the black box representing the tradition of the lottery itself. Despite its ragged appearance, the villagers are unwilling to replace it, symbolizing their blind faithfulness to tradition. The black spot on the paper, a symbol of doom, highlights the randomness of victimization, and the shifted nature of violence in human society. Jackson uses these symbols to criticize the human tendency to obediently follow harmful traditions. Figurative language and imagery further increased the story’s impact. The cheerful descriptions of the village and the casual conversations between the villagers create a sense of normalcy that is destroyed by the brutal conclusion. Jackson’s use of imagery, such as the stones collected by the children, foreshadowed the story’s violent climax. This imagery induces a sense of terror and illustrates how violence is embedded in the community's everyday life. The plot structure, building from a peaceful beginning to a horrifying end, mirrors the theme of repressed violence in human nature. The gradual revelation of the lottery's true purpose creates suspense and makes readers question the morality of the villagers. The fixed climax, where Tessie Hutchinson is stoned to death, exposes the cruelty that can arise from conformity and the human capacity for collective violence. Through these elements, Jackson’s “The Lottery” provides a chilling commentary on human nature. It reveals how ordinary people can commit terrible acts when influenced by tradition and societal pressure, prompting readers to reflect on the darker aspects of humanity.