What is the importance of symbolism in the lottery?
The lottery represents any action, behavior, or idea that is passed down from one generation to the next that’s accepted and followed unquestioningly, no matter how illogical, bizarre, or cruel. The lottery has been taking place in the village for as long as anyone can remember.
Why does Shirley Jackson use symbolism in the lottery?
In the short story, “The Lottery”, Shirley Jackson uses imagery and symbolism to show that evil can be present in the most innocent environment, resulting in society being tainted with dark illusion. Superstitious tradition symbolized an important role to the people in this village.
What are some examples of symbolism in the lottery?
The Lottery Symbols
- Stones. The stones that the villagers use to kill the victim selected by the lottery are mentioned periodically throughout the story. …
- The Black Box. …
- The marked slip of paper.
How does Jackson use symbolism to convey this theme?
Jackson also uses symbolism to reveal the theme of the text. The lottery and its paraphernalia represent an outdated tradition that people ultimately cling to, even if its significance/ necessity isn’t apparent and its effect is devastating.
What is the symbolism of the stones in the lottery?
The stones symbolize death, but also the villagers’ unanimous support of the lottery tradition. Even as Tessie protests the drawing, the villagers collect their stones and move into throw them.
What is the moral of the story of lottery?
The moral of the story is that simply because something has always been done does not mean that it is beneficial and should be continued. One key theme of “The Lottery” is the danger of tradition and blindly following along. … They don’t quite recall how the lottery started.
What does the black dot symbolize in The Lottery?
The black spot is symbolic of the person from the town who is chosen to die. All three items relate to the story’s themes of custom and tradition, violence and cruelty, and victim and victimization.
What does Tessie Hutchinson symbolize in The Lottery?
What does Tessie Hutchinson symbolize in the lottery? Tessie is symbolic of the scapegoat in “The Lottery,” which is sacrificed in ritual atonement for the sins of the tribe. However, she is also an average member of the tribe who sees nothing wrong with the system until she is selected.
What does the family unit symbolize in The Lottery?
Family ties form the lottery’s basic structure and execution. … Family relationships are essential to how the actions of the lottery are carried out, but these relationships mean nothing the moment it’s time to stone the unlucky victim.
What is Shirley Jackson trying to tell us about ourselves?
She is trying to tell us that we should be guided by our moral compass, not merely by the expectations of society. If something is unjust or wrong, we should stand up against it.
What does Warner symbolize in the lottery?
In general, Old Man Warner symbolizes the dangers of following tradition without thinking. His blind acceptance of something that people have begun to doubt (other towns have given up the Lottery, and they have not starved) shows how traditional fixation can ignore evidence to the contrary.