Literary Analysis of the Lottery
A lottery is a process by which prizes, such as money or goods, are allocated by random selection. It is a form of gambling and may be illegal in many countries. Several states in the United States operate lotteries, which are regulated by state law. In some states, the prize amount is based on the number of tickets sold, while others base it on ticket price or other factors. The lottery is a popular way to raise funds for public usages, such as schools and hospitals. It is also used to reward employees and to help convicted criminals reintegrate into society.
Historically, the drawing of lots to determine ownership and other rights dates back centuries. It was commonplace in the Low Countries in the seventeenth century, when it was used to raise money for towns and wars. In modern times, lotteries are usually operated by governments and private companies that offer tickets for a small fee and promise big prizes to the winners. The first recorded lotteries offered cash as prizes, but they are now often given away in the form of goods such as dinnerware or cars.
In the United States, state governments have exclusive rights to operate lotteries. They are monopolies that do not allow other commercial lotteries to operate in the same state. As of August 2004, there were forty-four states and the District of Columbia with an active lottery. These lotteries raised $17.1 billion for public usages in fiscal year 2006.
The main symbol of the lottery is the black box. The black box is a container for the drawing of the winning slips. The winning slip is the only one with a black dot. The other slips are blank. The winner is selected by the man of each household picking out a piece of paper. The choice is made after the villagers have gathered together.
In Shirley Jackson’s short story, The Lottery, the main theme is human evil. The story shows that even people who appear to be friendly can do terrible things to each other. It is especially important to note that the events in the story take place in a remote village where tradition and customs dominate.
A literary analysis of The Lottery reveals several hidden symbols that help readers understand the meaning behind the story. Some of these symbols are obvious, while others are more difficult to see. A thorough examination of the setting and the actions of the characters is also helpful in understanding the story’s deeper meaning.
The first obvious symbol is the black box. The black box is used to collect and store the lottery tickets. The black box is not just a simple container; it is a powerful symbol that represents the power of chance. In addition, the black box is a reminder of the power of fate and destiny. The story is a warning that if people allow themselves to be controlled by the beliefs and customs of their culture, they can be destroyed.