Symbolism in Shirley Jackson’s the Lottery

A tradition is an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (tradition) that some continue for generations without realizing the potential detrimental effects. In 1948, Shirley Jackson published a short story titled, The Lottery and this story depicts how a small, civilized town can harbor a very uncivilized tradition. Every year the town gathers in the square to draw a piece of paper that will in turn identify if they have won the lottery. The lottery was conducted, as were the square dances, the teen club, and the Halloween program (252). Ironically, this lottery is not one that anyone wants to win. The unlucky winner is destined to be stoned to death by their family and friends. Jackson leads the reader to believe this tradition is one that this community has followed since even before their eldest resident was born. In the story, Jackson utilizes Old Man Warner, Tessie Hutchinson, and the black box to symbolize how traditions followed blindly can become barbarous and dehumanizing.

Shirley Jackson wrote this story just three years after World War II. Seeing that Jackson wrote about people following a meaningless tradition or ritual in spite of the horrific outcome, the inspiration could have very well been something from this era, such as Nazism and the Holocaust. The Lottery initiated the biggest influx of mail from readers of The New Yorker in history with readers asserting their concern about the underlying meanings and fury over its disturbing ending (Shirley).

Old Man Warner is the town's oldest member. Seventy-seventh year I been in the lottery (254). Warner's character symbolizes the resistance to change. The older generation is more likely to oppose change and continue with what they know best. This generation, like Old Man Warner, are creatures of habit and have learned to accept things as they are without alteration. This is clearly demonstrated when Mr. and Mrs. Adams mention that other towns have decided to quit the lottery and it may be something they should consider. Old Man Warner scoffs at the mere thought. Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon (253) is evidence that this tradition is seen as more of a sacrificial ritual to ensure a plentiful crop. After seventy-seven years, Warner is not willing to take any chances with changing tradition; even if this tradition is barbaric and sacrificial in nature.

Furthermore,Tessie Hutchinson is symbolic of how people in society are in complete support of an action or cause until it directly affects them personally. Mrs. Hutchinson rushes to the town square as if she is going to a party. As she enters the square, she greets her friends and jokes with others as she makes her way to her husband and children. Everyone is carrying on like it was any other day. When names are called to pull from the lottery, Tessie Hutchinson urges her husband to get up there, Bill and the people near her laughed (253). As soon as Bill Hutchinson is identified as the head of household that held the winning paper, Tessie immediately changes her tune and begins making excuses. This is evidence that her actions are symbolic of how people ignore injustice until it becomes a reality in their own life. Most believe that the horrors of the world only happen to others. It is hypocritical for Tessie Hutchinson to treat this day like any other while washing dishes, forgetting it was the twenty-seventh, rushing to the square and joking with her family and friends as if what was about to happen was insignificant. However, when Hutchinson is drawn, she immediately changes her tune by making excuses such as You didn't give him time enough to take any paper he wanted. I saw you. It wasn't fair! (254). Tessie continues to protest and rally for support, but no one spoke. She even tried to throw her daughter and son-in-law under the bus, just to give herself better odds. When the second drawing was made from their family, Tessie Hutchinson's fear became a reality. From there, it was like business as usual. All right, folks. Mr. Summers said. Let's finish quickly (255). Her friends, husband and children began the barbarous acts of throwing stones at her as she screamed it isn't fair, it isn't right (255). At this point, she had been dehumanized in their eyes; she was merely a sacrifice.

Lastly, the black box is described as square and made of wood. It was very old, tattered, and faded. Some had suggested building a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box (252). The box itself is an artifact that holds a historical and cultural importance to the town. The black color represents darkness and the unwillingness of the people to advance their beliefs. When it is brought out, people must start to face their own mortality. Even so, this box holds a power over the townspeople almost like the American flag. They respect it and treat it in a manner they feel is just and honorable. Ironically, throughout the remainder of the year when the box is not in use, it is stored away in a barn or dusty storage. The black box is the epitome of the tradition this town holds near and dear. It gives the town a physical connection to the generations before them that started and carried on the tradition that they have incorporated into their lives as a determining factor of a plentiful harvest. In no way do they intend on doing anything to interfere; even if it means stoning one of their own to death. The black box is filled with a white slip of paper for each and every person in the town. Men, women, and children alike are represented equally and without prejudice. This is represented when Mrs. Hutchinson's friends say be a good sport, Tessie. All of us took the same chance (254).

In Shirley Jackson's short story, The Lottery, Jackson utilizes symbolism to express how traditions followed without regard to meaning can become barbarous and dehumanizing. The story is filled with various symbolic items that lead the reader to see how things that happen in the world make no difference to most until it is a direct and eminent threat to that person. Old Man Warner represents the older generation that resists change, the black box represents darkness and an artifact that people ritualize. Mrs. Tessie Hutchinson represents those people in society that turn their head from injustice and wrongdoing until it hits home and affects them personally. At this time is when they suddenly want to start calling for help and make changes. It is crystal clear that Jackson's attitude toward society and societal problems was that of disgust. The Lottery is a graphic illustration using imagery and symbolism to help people see the pointless violence and general inhumanity in their own lives (Oppenheimer).

Works Cited

Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery. LIT, edited by Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell,

Wadsworth, 2009, pp. 251-255.

Oppenheimer, Judy. Private Demons. The Life of Shirley Jackson. The Fund for North Bennington, Inc., 1988, northbennington.org/jackson.html. Accessed 27 Nov. 2018.

Shirley Jackson Biography. Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 17 Nov. 2016, www.biography.com/people/shirley-jackson-9351425.

Tradition. Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition#learn-more. Web. 27 Nov. 2018.

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