Argumentative Essay On The Lottery

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Being stoned to death by friends and family members is the worst way anyone can ever be killed. In the story “The Lottery,” author Shirley Jackson describes how a small village consisting of 300 residents reluctantly participate in an annual lottery drawing. Winning the lottery is usually thought of as winning a prize, but in this lottery drawing, winning is to get stoned. “The lottery was conducted-as were the square dances, the teenage club, the Halloween program- by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities” (Jackson). Although the lottery is a crucial event, it had become a norm to the village and a tradition that many villagers do not want to cease. Author Shirley Jackson wrote this story to inform readers how some traditions and winning does not always have a happy ending. It can lead to betrayal and conflict among family members and friends.
Winning does not always have a good outcome because you may lose more than you gain. Although the villagers understood what was at risk when participating in this annual event, they still gathered together every year and celebrated this tradition. This story illustrates the villager’s willingness to participate in the annual lottery drawing. As stated in …show more content…
There are certain situations in life when family members get betrayed in order to protect themselves. After watching a video clip of this story, I noticed Davy Hutchinson and Mr. Hutchinson moving away from Mrs. Hutchinson in a calm way. They expressed no emotion after finding out Mrs. Hutchison won the lottery drawing. (Jackson). Instead, her family seemed somewhat relieved to not have been chosen. Author Shirley Jackson describes how family members can turn against you and how cruel things may happen in life even after begging for mercy. Jackson is also connecting how winning is not always a positive outcome nor is it guaranteed a happy
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Shirley Jackson’s controversial piece The Lottery has been described as one of the greatest works of the twentieth century. It has been regarded as both confusing by some and brilliant by others. At first glance the short story seems to be a simple take on how unchecked tradition and power can make people go blind to the injustices they commit. However, Jackson’s rich use of symbolism paints a clear picture that The Lottery is reflective of the Gospel. Every society needs a scapegoat, someone to…

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