Shirley Jackson, in her short story “The Lottery,” emphasizes the importance of standing up for what one believes in. Jackson exemplifies her message through Tessie Hutchinson, who believes the lottery is unjustified and does not conform to the village’s belief of human sacrifice for a successful harvest. Tessie Hutchinson anticipates her own death and as a result expresses her affliction to the village. On the verge of her death, Tessie Hutchinson utilizes her last breath to voice her opinion towards the lottery: “‘It isn’t fair, it isn’t right,’ Mrs. Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her” (7). Jackson’s short story apprises her readers to stand up for their beliefs, regardless of fear for being rejected by society.
