Essay Database

The Lottery Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” leaves the reader feeling uncomfortably disturbed. It is a story about society, traditions and the way we follow them just because generations before us have. In general, a tradition is something that’s been handed down from generation to generation. We often go along with them without questioning the meaning or perhaps even changing them for our own conveniences. Let’s take for example our traditional holidays of …

…structure. Being late showed how Tessie trivialized the lottery. The way she ordered her husband to hurry up showed, she did not respect the men’s place in the social structure. Ultimately Tessie would have to go so she didn’t corrupt others. This can be compared to the sometimes-unfair way a corporation may choose whom they lay off. Although disturbing to read Jackson’s story is as she intends it to be, thought provoking.