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Summary The Lottery UKWMM

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson depicts a small village's annual lottery that culminates in a shocking act of violence when the 'winner' is stoned to death. The story critiques blind adherence to tradition, conformity, and the capacity for violence within ordinary people. Through characters like Tessie Hutchinson and Mr. Summers, and literary devices such as irony and symbolism, Jackson prompts readers to question the morality of societal rituals.

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Tri Nugroho Putro Paulus
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88 views2 pages

Summary The Lottery UKWMM

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson depicts a small village's annual lottery that culminates in a shocking act of violence when the 'winner' is stoned to death. The story critiques blind adherence to tradition, conformity, and the capacity for violence within ordinary people. Through characters like Tessie Hutchinson and Mr. Summers, and literary devices such as irony and symbolism, Jackson prompts readers to question the morality of societal rituals.

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Tri Nugroho Putro Paulus
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Here’s a summary of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, along with its themes, characters, and literary

devices:

Summary of "The Lottery"

"The Lottery" takes place in a small village where the townspeople gather annually for a lottery. The
atmosphere is initially festive, with families arriving, chatting, and preparing for the event. As the
lottery begins, the head of the family, Mr. Summers, conducts the drawing. Each family draws a slip
of paper from a black box.

As the lottery progresses, it becomes clear that this tradition is not a benign celebration. The tension
mounts when Tessie Hutchinson, a woman who arrives late, draws the slip with a black mark. The
townspeople then turn on her, and it is revealed that the "winner" of the lottery is stoned to death
by the other villagers. The story ends shockingly, highlighting the dark side of human nature and the
blind adherence to tradition.

Themes

1. Tradition and Ritual:


The story critiques how societies uphold traditions without questioning their morality or
relevance.

2. Conformity and Social Pressure:


The villagers conform to the lottery's barbaric practice, demonstrating how social pressure
can lead individuals to commit heinous acts.

3. The Nature of Violence:


Jackson explores humanity's capacity for violence, showcasing how ordinary people can
perpetrate cruelty under the guise of tradition.

Characters

 Tessie Hutchinson:
The protagonist who becomes the victim of the lottery. Her late arrival symbolizes her initial
detachment from the ritual, but she ultimately faces its horrific consequence.

 Mr. Summers:
The man in charge of the lottery, representing the authority that perpetuates the tradition.

 Old Man Warner:


The oldest villager, who staunchly defends the lottery and emphasizes the importance of
tradition.

Literary Devices

1. Irony:
The story uses situational irony; what begins as a community gathering turns into a brutal act
of violence.

2. Symbolism:
The black box symbolizes tradition and the villagers' unwillingness to change or question
their practices. The slips of paper represent fate and chance.
3. Foreshadowing:
Subtle hints throughout the story build tension and suggest the dark outcome of the lottery.

Conclusion

Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" serves as a powerful commentary on tradition, conformity, and the
darker aspects of human nature. It encourages readers to reflect on the rituals and beliefs they may
take for granted.

Let me know if you need any additional information or resources!

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