What Is The Main Idea Of The Story The Lottery?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The theme, or central idea, of “The Lottery” is

the need to examine the traditions we follow and to abandon or radically modify those that are harmful

. We shouldn’t stick to a tradition, the story shows, simply because it has always been followed.

What is the main theme of the story The Lottery?

The main theme of ”The Lottery” is

the power of tradition and ritual

. The tradition of the lottery is continued every year even though the original meaning behind the event has long been lost.

What does the story The Lottery represent?

The lottery represents

any action, behavior, or idea that is passed down from one generation to the next that’s accepted and followed unquestioningly, no matter how illogical, bizarre, or cruel

. The lottery has been taking place in the village for as long as anyone can remember.

How does The Lottery relate to real life?

“The Lottery” relates to

real life because it shows us how people can easily be repressed by the communities they inhabit

. Most of us derive great strength and comfort from the communities in which we live. But too many people are repressed by the communities in which they live.

What’s the author’s message in The Lottery?

The primary message of Shirley Jackson’s celebrated short story “The Lottery”

concerns the dangers of blindly following traditions

. In the story, the entire community gathers in the town square to participate in the annual lottery.

What is the deeper meaning of the lottery?

The lottery itself is clearly symbolic and, at its most basic, that

symbol is of the unquestioned rituals and traditions which drive our society

. The author considers those things which make no inherent sense, yet are done because that is how they have always been done.

What is the main conflict in the lottery?


Person versus society

is the major conflict in “The Lottery” because the conflict revolves around Tessie Hutchinson’s struggle against her town, the citizens of which insist on observing a ritual of sacrifice each year in blind adherence to tradition.

What is the irony in the lottery?

The title of the story itself is ironic because

the idea of a lottery usually involves a reward for the winner

whereas, in this case, the “winner” of the lottery is stoned to death instead. The irony continues in the opening description as the narrator paints a cheery picture of a bright and beautiful summer day.

What is the climax of the story The Lottery?

In “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the climax is

when Tessie is declared the “winner

,” the falling action includes the townspeople gathering around her and stoning her, and the resolution is when the town’s life returns to normal.

What are the symbols in The Lottery?

  • Stones. The stones that the villagers use to kill the victim selected by the lottery are mentioned periodically throughout the story. …
  • The Black Box. …
  • The marked slip of paper.

What is the mood of The Lottery?

In ‘The Lottery,’ the mood begins as

light and cheerful

, but shifts to tense and ominous.

What is the moral lesson in The Lottery?

In “The Lottery,” the moral lesson or theme is

that one should not blindly follow traditions simply because they’re tradition.

What is the moral lesson of the lottery ticket?

The main theme of the story “The Lottery Ticket” by Anton Chekhov is

that money can corrupt the soul

. The prospect of a huge lottery win makes Ivan and Masha look at each other with hatred and suspicion, each one believing that the other will be negatively changed by their sudden windfall.

What is Shirley Jackson trying to tell us about ourselves?

She is trying to tell us

that we should be guided by our moral compass

, not merely by the expectations of society. If something is unjust or wrong, we should stand up against it.

What are the types of conflict?

  • Task Conflict. …
  • Relationship Conflict. …
  • Value Conflict.

Who is the antagonist in The Lottery?

Tessie Hutchinson is the protagonist in “The Lottery”.

The lottery itself

is the antagonist. Tessie demonstrates her frustration towards the…

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.