The villagers in Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’ are reluctant to upgrade the black box because it symbolizes their tradition and the rituals associated with it. The black box, worn and tattered, represents not only the history of the lottery itself but also the villagers’ adherence to long-standing customs, even when those customs seem outdated or barbaric.
Throughout the story, the villagers express a deep-seated attachment to the lottery and its traditions. Upgrading the black box would suggest a need for change, which many villagers are uncomfortable with. They associate the box’s deterioration with the age and wisdom of their customs; to them, it is a sacred object that should not be altered. This reluctance reflects a common theme in human behavior, where people often cling to old traditions despite their flaws out of fear of the unknown or the potential repercussions of change.
Additionally, the villagers are shown to value conformity and maintaining the status quo. This collective mentality discourages questioning or altering practices that have been followed for generations. The black box serves as a reminder of the power of tradition, illustrating how communities can become trapped by their rituals, which can lead to cruel outcomes, as seen in the lottery itself.