Why does Shirley Jackson use symbolism in the lottery?
In the short story, “The Lottery”, Shirley Jackson uses imagery and symbolism to show that evil can be present in the most innocent environment, resulting in society being tainted with dark illusion. Superstitious tradition symbolized an important role to the people in this village.
What does drawing symbolize in the lottery?
Most people when drawing the lottery were more concerned with stoning one to death and their beliefs rather than the value of the human life that they were about to destroy. … She uses symbolic names to indicate and foreshadow what will come to be after the lottery is conducted happens.
What are 5 symbols in the lottery?
The Lottery Symbols
- Stones. The stones that the villagers use to kill the victim selected by the lottery are mentioned periodically throughout the story. …
- The Black Box. …
- The marked slip of paper.
What does the lottery box itself symbolize?
In “The Lottery,” Jackson says that the black box represents tradition, hence the villagers’ reluctance to replace it, despite its shabbiness. The box also implicitly symbolizes death. This symbolic aspect of the box, however, comes more from its function than its form. Its blackness symbolizes death.
What does Tessie Hutchinson symbolize in the lottery?
What does Tessie Hutchinson symbolize in the lottery? Tessie is symbolic of the scapegoat in “The Lottery,” which is sacrificed in ritual atonement for the sins of the tribe. However, she is also an average member of the tribe who sees nothing wrong with the system until she is selected.
Why is Tessie unhappy with the first drawing in The Lottery?
The reason for Tessie’s unhappiness at the first drawing of the lottery is simple: her family has drawn the slip of paper with the black spot. She tries to claim that the first drawing was unfair—that her husband had not been given enough time to draw the piece of paper that he wanted.
What is the symbolism in The Lottery Why is it important?
The lottery represents any action, behavior, or idea that is passed down from one generation to the next that’s accepted and followed unquestioningly, no matter how illogical, bizarre, or cruel. The lottery has been taking place in the village for as long as anyone can remember.
How do they determine who draws first The Lottery?
The first round determines from which family the “winner” will be selected. It is during this time that determinations are publicly made as to who is going to represent each family in this process. Generally the man of the household does so, but two situations are brought up that require an exception be made: Mr.
What does summers symbolize in the lottery?
Summers symbolize life, changing of seasons, fertility, a new life, but Mr. Summers is exactly the opposite; instead of a new life, he takes one away.
What does the village square symbolize in the lottery?
But, the square itself is symbolic because it is the center of town. This is the place where all rituals occur: The lottery was conducted–as were the square dances, the teenage club, the Halloween program–by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities.
What does Old Man Warner symbolize in the lottery?
In general, Old Man Warner symbolizes the dangers of following tradition without thinking. His blind acceptance of something that people have begun to doubt (other towns have given up the Lottery, and they have not starved) shows how traditional fixation can ignore evidence to the contrary.