At the end of ‘The Lottery,’ a seemingly ordinary village holds an annual lottery that comes to a shocking conclusion. The story builds tension as the townspeople gather, and the lottery is conducted. The twist reveals that the ‘winner’ of the lottery is stoned to death by the other villagers, including her own family. This brutal tradition is justified by the community as a means to ensure a good harvest for the year.
The ending serves as a grim commentary on the nature of conformity and the potential for violence hidden beneath the surface of societal norms. It raises critical questions about moral values and the impact of blindly following traditions without questioning their purpose. In essence, Shirley Jackson’s story leaves readers with a haunting reminder of how ordinary people can partake in horrific acts when they are rooted in societal structures.