Essay on Social Hysteria in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery

Social Hysteria in The Lottery Tradition is a central theme in Shirley Jackons short story The Lottery. Images such as the black box and characters such as Old Man Warner, Mrs. Adams, and Mrs. Hutchinson display to the reader not only the tenacity with which the townspeople cling to the tradition of the lottery, but also the wavering support of it by others. In just a few pages, Jackson manages to examine the sometimes long forgotten purpose of rituals, as well as the inevitable questioning of the necessity for such customs. The black box represents virtually the only part of the original ritual that has been preserved since the lottery began. It is there not only to hold the papers that will be drawn, but also to represent to†¦show more content†¦Old Man Warner represents the sentiment of tradition that exists in most of the townspeople. He complains that much of the ritual has been allowed to lapse. This is true. The only part of the original tradition that has been preserved is the use of the box and the stones. In a conversation with Mrs. Adams, he calls those thinking of giving up the lottery, a pack of fools. To him, and many villagers, the lottery, Old Man Warner quotes an old adage Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon, as if a ritual sacrifice is necessary for a profitable season. This superstition is what probably deters many of the townsfolk from giving up the old tradition. Theres always been a lottery, Old Man Warner says, but he also adds, its not the way is used to be, people aint t he way they used to be. Old Man Warners observation that peoples attitudes are changing is illustrated by Mrs. Hutchinson, the winner of this years lottery. Although obviously influenced by her position, Mrs. Hutchinson would like her town to follow the lead of other towns, and give up the ritual altogether. Her repeated cries of it wasnt fair! fall on deaf ears as the townspeople advance on her. As they see it, she is simply a sacrifice to the greater good of the town. Although Mrs. Hutchinson does not win her argument against the tradition, she represents changing attitudes, and the possibility that the lottery is outdated andShow MoreRelatedConformity Is A Jailer Of Freedom And The Enemy Of Growth1596 Words   |  7 Pagesdefined as acting in order and in compliance with social behavior and law, is an extremely ambiguous term, but it means that creativity and originality can be lost due to the standards set by authoritative figures. Many works of literature share the common connection that runs through all of their collective plots and express the dangers of agreeing with society. In Arthur Miller’s drama The Crucible, the theocratic community of Salem is engulfed by hysteria over witchcraft and is reluctantly led to oppose