Lecture Notes on "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

Setting and Atmosphere

• The story takes place on the morning of June 27th, a clear and sunny day.
• Villagers gather in the town square between the post office and the bank.
• There is a sense of tradition; the lottery happens every year.

Characters and Social Dynamics

• Children: Assemble first, collecting stones.
• Men: Discuss practical matters like planting and taxes.
• Women: Gossip and manage their children.
• Mr. Summers: Conducts the lottery, a key figure in village events.
• Old Man Warner: Oldest man in town, a staunch supporter of the lottery tradition.
• The Hutchinson Family: Arrive late; pivotal to the story’s climax.

The Lottery Tradition

• Conducted by Mr. Summers with Mr. Graves assisting.
• A black box, old and shabby, is used to draw lots.
• Slips of paper have replaced wood chips due to a growing population.
• The box is stored variously throughout the year.

The Process

• Families draw slips of paper; heads of households go first.
• Mr. Summers ensures all families are represented, even if someone is absent (e.g., Mrs. Dunbar draws for her injured husband).
• The ritual has diminished over time; many original parts are forgotten or discarded.

Tension and Outcome

• All villagers gather, and one by one, heads of families draw slips.
• Bill Hutchinson draws a slip, indicating his family is selected.
• Tessie Hutchinson protests the fairness of the drawing.
• A secondary drawing occurs within the Hutchinson family.
• Tessie draws the final marked slip.

Conclusion and Themes

• Tessie Hutchinson is chosen, leading to a stoning ritual by the villagers.
• Themes of tradition versus change, conformity, and the random nature of persecution.
• Old Man Warner’s comments reflect resistance to change and the danger of unquestioned traditions.

Final Thoughts

• The story showcases blind adherence to tradition, leading to violent outcomes.
• Highlights human capacity for violence when following societal norms.