The stones in the lottery represent the traditional and ritualistic aspects of the event. In Shirley Jackson’s short story ‘The Lottery,’ these stones are used by the townspeople to reinforce social norms and the cruelty that can arise from blind adherence to tradition.
The act of drawing stones signifies the randomness and arbitrary nature of the lottery—a process that determines the fate of one individual. The use of stones as a weapon against the chosen victim highlights the brutality of the event and the deep-seated beliefs held by the community. It serves as a chilling reminder of how societal customs can lead to violence and inhumanity when individuals do not question the morality of their actions.
In this story, the stones become a powerful symbol of the darkness that lies within human nature, showing that people are often willing to participate in horrific acts simply because it is ‘tradition.’ This raises important questions about conformity, morality, and the consequences of unexamined traditions.