Introduction
Shirley Jackson’s short story *The Lottery*, first published in 1948 in *The New Yorker*, is a seminal piece of American literature that explores the darker aspects of human nature through the lens of tradition and communal violence. Set in a seemingly idyllic small town, the narrative unfolds to reveal a shocking annual ritual where a towns-person is stoned to death as part of a lottery. This essay examines the themes of blind adherence to tradition, the banality of evil, and the role of societal complicity in perpetuating violence in Jackson’s work. By critically analysing these elements, the discussion aims to highlight how *The Lottery* serves as a powerful critique of unexamined cultural norms. The essay will explore these themes across thematic sections, drawing on relevant academic perspectives to deepen the analysis.
Blind Adherence to Tradition
One of the central themes of *The Lottery* is the unquestioning acceptance of tradition, even when it results in horrific outcomes. Jackson portrays the villagers as individuals who participate in the lottery not out of belief or necessity, but simply because it has always been done. This is epitomised by Old Man Warner, who dismisses any suggestion of abandoning the ritual with the assertion that it is tied to the community’s survival, saying, “Used to be a saying about ‘Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon’” (Jackson, 1948). This blind loyalty to outdated practices reflects a broader societal tendency to preserve customs without scrutiny. As critics have noted, Jackson’s depiction suggests a warning against the dangers of tradition for tradition’s sake, a point that resonates with post-World War II anxieties about conformity and authoritarianism (Hyman, 1966). Indeed, the story challenges readers to question whether cultural practices should endure simply because they are old, rather than because they are just or meaningful.
The Banality of Evil
Another striking element of *The Lottery* is its portrayal of violence as mundane and normalised. Jackson’s matter-of-fact tone and the casual attitude of the villagers—evident in their chit-chat and routine preparations—echo what Hannah Arendt later termed the “banality of evil” in her analysis of Nazi war criminals (Arendt, 1963). The stoning of Tessie Hutchinson is carried out not with malice, but with a chilling detachment, as even children participate by gathering stones. This normalisation underscores how ordinary people can commit atrocities when they are framed as societal duties. Furthermore, the story’s setting in a quintessential small town enhances this impact, suggesting that evil is not confined to distant or extraordinary contexts but can lurk within the familiar (Murphy, 2005). This aspect arguably makes *The Lottery* a timeless critique of human complacency in the face of institutionalised violence.
Societal Complicity and Resistance
Jackson also explores the role of societal complicity in sustaining harmful practices. The characters in *The Lottery* rarely question the ritual; even Tessie Hutchinson’s protests arise only when she is chosen, revealing a selfish rather than principled resistance. This highlights a collective failure to challenge injustice until it personally affects an individual. Academic analysis suggests that Jackson may have been commenting on the conformity and apathy prevalent in mid-20th-century American society, particularly in the context of McCarthyism and societal pressures to conform (Hyman, 1966). Moreover, the absence of overt coercion in the story—villagers participate willingly—illustrates how deeply ingrained social norms can perpetuate harm without the need for explicit force. Generally, this raises critical questions about personal responsibility within collective systems, a concern that remains relevant in discussions of systemic inequality today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shirley Jackson’s *The Lottery* offers a profound critique of tradition, violence, and societal complicity. Through its examination of blind adherence to outdated customs, the normalisation of evil, and the lack of resistance to harmful practices, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unexamined cultural norms. The narrative’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to prompt reflection on how individuals and communities perpetuate harm through apathy or conformity. Therefore, *The Lottery* not only critiques the specific context of post-war America but also invites broader consideration of ethical responsibility in any society. Its unsettling power lies in the mirror it holds up to human behaviour, urging readers to question the traditions that shape their lives and to resist complacency in the face of injustice.
References
- Arendt, H. (1963) *Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil*. Viking Press.
- Hyman, S. E. (1966) *Shirley Jackson: A Study of the Short Fiction*. Twayne Publishers.
- Jackson, S. (1948) ‘The Lottery’, *The New Yorker*, 26 June 1948.
- Murphy, B. F. (2005) *Shirley Jackson: Essays on the Literary Legacy*. McFarland & Company.
