Surname2
The use of stoning in the book is rampant and significant as it symbolizes several things.
Stoning is a traditional way of passing judgment as no one carries the blame for killing the
victim. The act of people coming together against one offender tells who the enemy of the
majority is (Jackson, 1948). The significance of stoning in the story is that stoning is a symbol of
togetherness of the town people as they give punishment. The aspect of all against one signifies
that the offender has offended many.
In the text, the lottery itself is a symbol used by the author. Shirley uses the lottery to
represent the traditions in the society that are still being practiced despite them having no
significance to the society. In the book, the people continually play the lottery run even though
they gain less from this game. The main reason for the people's participation is that they often do
that. We learn that the people do not listen to Mr Summer's instructions before they start picking
the slips of papers. The people are already familiar with the rules (Jackson, 1948).
In the world today when you hear of Lottery, the first thing that comes to minds is
making easy money another significance of the lottery in the book is that it represents fear and
chaos. In the book, the lottery starts in a very peaceful manner, and all the town people are
together. At the end of the event, we learn that the town is turned into fighting and stoning.
People are left in fear and disappointment.
In conclusion, the practice of lottery in this small town is barbaric, even though; people
are not ready for a change. “Lottery” is a symbol which outlays the replications of evil and the
dark side of society. Shirley‘s use of allegory and foreshadowing also brings out a vivid
description of the scene. A further comprehensive analysis of the topic may consider adverse
effects lottery has on society.
