Lottery is a form of chance-based gambling in which individuals pay to have a chance of winning a prize (such as money or property). The word comes from the Middle Dutch word for “lot,” meaning “fate” or “suddenness.” Typically, only those who can afford the cost of a ticket are allowed to participate. Federal law prohibits the mailing in interstate and international commerce of promotions for lottery games or the tickets themselves.
In Jackson’s story, a bucolic town gathers in the square for the yearly lottery, which lasts for two hours. The villagers exhibit the stereotypical normalcy of small-town life, warmly gossiping and discussing their work. A black box is placed on a three-legged stool in the center of the square. The narrator explains that this particular box is older than most, and it contains pieces of the original lottery paraphernalia.
After a hush, the heads of the families begin to select paper slips from the box. Everyone tries to keep their selections secret, but Mrs. Hutchinson accidentally reveals hers, which bears a black spot. A general sigh is heard as the papers are revealed, and it is revealed that little Dave’s is blank. Bill’s and Nancy’s are also blank. Old Man Warner, a seventy-seven year veteran of the lottery ritual, is particularly bitter.
Jackson’s story illustrates how people condone evil acts when they are viewed as a part of cultural traditions. It reminds readers that the pervasiveness of such beliefs makes it difficult to fight against them, and it points out that scapegoating is an important social function, with those most often targeted being women and other minority groups.