An Analysis Of Shirley Jackson's The Lottery: Blind Acceptance Of Tradition

The townspeople show their blind acceptance of tradition by deadening their emotions. Tradition had led townspeople to be so nonchalant about the killing of their own mother’s, sisters, wives, and friends. As Mrs.Hutchinson screams, “It isn’t fair, it isn’t right.” (132) no one felt remorseful for her. The lack of affection towards this mother and wife shows how tradition can weave itself into people’s hearts. The annual ritual has become such an important and stable part of the community that it has been ongoing for years. The Lottery has been a continuous tradition in which every villager has participated without question, until it was Tessie Hutchinson’s fate to be stoned. Tessie Hutchinson's objection to The Lottery reveals how tradition