The Lottery Case

In the story The Lottery I believe that Shirley Jackson was trying to send a few messages. First I think she was trying to send a message about how women are not at all viewed equally to men. I also believe that she was reflecting on a time where innocent people would die for no reason. In addition to the other messages, she also wanted to get across how strong traditions can be.

To begin with women were not treated equally to men in the story and in the Youtube video. She showed a very stereotypical view to men and women. Tessie Hutchinson makes a remark to Mr. Summers "Wouldn't have me leave m'dishes in the sink..." Which I believe is saying how the men believe that the women should be home doing the chores around the house. In addition to that, the little girls would sit around and gossip while the little boys would gather stones.

Next, the stoning one random person shows how innocent people die. Tessie did nothing wrong, but everyone in the village was okay with singling her out and killing her. What is really ironic, is how Tessie and others take this day, June 27 as no big deal. They actually see somewhat cheery and excited to be their. Every year on that day the village kills one random person, for no reason.

Finally I also believe she tries to send another message about how people fear change. People keep doing traditions because it is has been done for years. This tradition is over 77 years old. Another example from the text would be how they did not want to change the black box that has been used for years. "Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the box."