In Shirley Jackson’s short story The Lottery, Mrs. Hutchinson is stoned to death as part of a traditional ritual that the townspeople believe ensures a good harvest. The story is set in a small, seemingly peaceful village where the lottery is an annual event. However, the lottery is not what it initially seems; it is a brutal and senseless act of violence.
Mrs. Hutchinson does not do anything wrong in the conventional sense. She is chosen by chance, just like any other participant in the lottery. The lottery is a random selection process, and the ‘winner’ is the person who draws the marked slip of paper. In this case, Mrs. Hutchinson is the unfortunate one who draws the marked slip, making her the sacrificial victim.
The story critiques blind adherence to tradition and the dangers of mob mentality. The townspeople continue the lottery year after year without questioning its purpose or morality. They stone Mrs. Hutchinson simply because it is what they have always done, highlighting the senselessness and cruelty of the ritual.
In summary, Mrs. Hutchinson is stoned to death not because of any wrongdoing on her part, but because she is the unlucky person chosen by the lottery. The story serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of tradition and the human capacity for violence.