An Analysis of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery": Tradition, Chance, and Human Nature

Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery" delves into the dark underbelly of human nature, exploring themes of tradition, chance, and the consequences of blind obedience to rituals. Through the words of the characters, especially Old Man Warner and Tessie Hutchinson, the story highlights the irrationality of superstitions and the desperation that arises when faced with life-threatening situations. This research study aims to analyze the significant quotes from the story, shedding light on the disturbing aspects of human behavior. The Rhyming Wisdom of the Lottery: 'Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon' Old Man Warner's quote reflects the tradition's deeply ingrained nature, with a rhyme that has passed down through generations. The belief in a connection between the lottery and a bountiful harvest suggests a superstitious attachment to the ritual, even if no concrete evidence supports the correlation. "The rhyming quotation, ‘Lottery in June, co…