In Shirley Jackson’s short story ‘The Lottery,’ several symbols deepen the exploration of its themes, particularly the brutality of societal traditions. Here are three notable symbols:
- The Lottery Box: The black box used in the lottery symbolizes the tradition itself. Its shabby appearance reflects how the townspeople have grown complacent about the ritual. Although some pieces are worn and frayed, the box is still revered and used, representing how society holds onto outdated practices without questioning their morality.
- Rocks: The stones that the villagers gather at the end of the story serve as a stark symbol of violence and conformity. While they seem like ordinary objects, in the context of the lottery, they become instruments of death. This duality highlights how ordinary people can partake in barbaric actions when obedience to tradition supersedes moral considerations.
- Tessie’s Draw: Tessie Hutchinson’s late arrival at the lottery symbolizes the randomness of the violence in the story. Her selection as the