The main conflict in Shirley Jackson’s short story ‘The Lottery’ is the tradition of the lottery itself. The story revolves around a small town that conducts an annual lottery, which culminates in the stoning of the chosen individual. The conflict arises from the blind adherence to tradition and the lack of questioning or resistance from the townspeople.
The townspeople continue the lottery year after year without fully understanding its origins or purpose. This blind conformity leads to the tragic outcome where Tessie Hutchinson, who initially participates willingly, becomes the victim. The conflict is not just between individuals but also between the individual and society, highlighting the dangers of mindless tradition and the potential for cruelty within a community.
Shirley Jackson uses this conflict to critique the irrationality of certain social practices and the human tendency to follow tradition without questioning its morality or relevance. The story serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of conformity and the potential for violence that lies beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities.