The Lottery, a response to the short story 'The Lottery' written by shirley jackson (1919-1965) Thesis statement: The people of the community have no real knowledge of this barbaric ceremony.
The Lottery
The community has no real knowledge of this ceremony. It seems ridiculous that a community would cling to such a barbaric tradition, especially when they don't even know the correct way to do it. It becomes apparent this community is very weak-minded. Even the way they congregated at the lottery was done systematically in a sexist way. This community could be convinced to do anything. There are so many points in the story that show these people know nothing of the lottery's history.
First of all, this tradition has been slowly peeled away for centuries. The actual modern ceremony was obviously more somber, with no one making light jokes and friendly conversation.. "Years and years ago this part of the ritual had been allowed to lapse." This quote makes you wonder how many parts of the ritual were lost. There were probably so many intricacies, proper ways to face, words to recite. This form of brutalism is treated very informally, with Mr. Summers dressed in just a white shirt and jeans. These people don't realize the major sin they are committing, nor do they realize the purpose behind it. "The people had done it so many times that they only half listened..." This has no real meaning to them, it's like they're just going through the motions
The worst part is the purpose of the ritual was not said or explained once. No one asked why this must take place, no one questioned it. All the people know is that once a year they have a draw, and kill someone as a community.
The low intelligence level in this village also explains why ridiculous ceremonies like this can be carried out. The women are dressed very old fashioned, all with their dresses and aprons, following their "menfolk". It was preferred that the men drew for the lottery. This decision was carried out very formally and business-like, as if it was such an important detail. Why make it such a point to exclude women, but treat every other part of the ritual so informally? They even go as low as
The community has no real knowledge of this ceremony. It seems ridiculous that a community would cling to such a barbaric tradition, especially when they don't even know the correct way to do it. It becomes apparent this community is very weak-minded. Even the way they congregated at the lottery was done systematically in a sexist way. This community could be convinced to do anything. There are so many points in the story that show these people know nothing of the lottery's history.
First of all, this tradition has been slowly peeled away for centuries. The actual modern ceremony was obviously more somber, with no one making light jokes and friendly conversation.. "Years and years ago this part of the ritual had been allowed to lapse." This quote makes you wonder how many parts of the ritual were lost. There were probably so many intricacies, proper ways to face, words to recite. This form of brutalism is treated very informally, with Mr. Summers dressed in just a white shirt and jeans. These people don't realize the major sin they are committing, nor do they realize the purpose behind it. "The people had done it so many times that they only half listened..." This has no real meaning to them, it's like they're just going through the motions
The worst part is the purpose of the ritual was not said or explained once. No one asked why this must take place, no one questioned it. All the people know is that once a year they have a draw, and kill someone as a community.
The low intelligence level in this village also explains why ridiculous ceremonies like this can be carried out. The women are dressed very old fashioned, all with their dresses and aprons, following their "menfolk". It was preferred that the men drew for the lottery. This decision was carried out very formally and business-like, as if it was such an important detail. Why make it such a point to exclude women, but treat every other part of the ritual so informally? They even go as low as