CHARACTERS

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson features a small cast of characters representing the townspeople
involved in the annual lottery. Here are the main characters:
1. Tessie Hutchinson:
 Tessie is the central character in the story. Initially, she seems to conform to the town's
traditions, participating in the lottery like everyone else. However, when her family is
selected, she protests vehemently, revealing the abrupt shift from conformity to self-
interest.
2. Mr. Summers:
 Mr. Summers is in charge of conducting the lottery. He is described as a jovial and
influential figure in the town. His name is ironic, as the grim nature of the event sharply
contrasts with the warmth associated with the season of summer.
3. Mr. Hutchinson:
 Mr. Hutchinson is Tessie's husband. Like the other townspeople, he participates in the
lottery without much objection until his family is selected in the final round.
4. Bill Hutchinson:
 Bill is Tessie's oldest son. He, along with the other family members, participates in the
second drawing when their family is chosen. Despite being part of the community that
stones Tessie, he fulfills his role without much resistance.
5. The Townspeople:
 While specific individuals aren't extensively described, the townspeople collectively form
a community that blindly adheres to the tradition of the lottery. Their participation in the
stoning of Tessie at the story's climax highlights the conformity and collective nature of
the ritual.

THEMES
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson explores several thought-provoking themes, revealing the darker
aspects of human nature and societal conformity. Some of the key themes in the story include:
1. Tradition:
 The story critically examines the unquestioning adherence to tradition. The lottery,
presented as an annual ritual, symbolizes the power of tradition and the potential
dangers of blindly following customs without questioning their morality or purpose.
2. Conformity:
 "The Lottery" explores the pressure individuals face to conform to societal norms. The
townspeople participate in the lottery without questioning its purpose, highlighting the
dangers of conformity and the collective acceptance of practices that may be harmful.
3. Violence and Brutality:
 The story depicts the sudden and shocking shift from a seemingly ordinary, communal
gathering to a brutal act of violence. The stoning of the chosen individual exposes the
potential for cruelty within a community and raises questions about the nature of
violence when sanctioned by tradition.
4. Irony:
 The title itself is ironic, as "the lottery" typically implies a positive event, like winning a
prize. The contrast between the seemingly innocent name and the grim reality of the
ritual underscores the story's theme of unexpected and unsettling twists.
 5. Social Critique:
 Shirley Jackson uses the lottery as a metaphor for societal issues. The story can be
seen as a critique of blind obedience to authority and the potential for collective cruelty
when individuals prioritize conformity over moral considerations.
6. Human Nature:
 The story explores fundamental aspects of human nature, such as self-preservation and
the capacity for violence. The characters' actions in the story prompt readers to reflect
on how societal structures and traditions can influence individual behavior.
7. The Mundane and the Horrifying:
 Jackson skillfully weaves the mundane aspects of daily life with a horrifying ritual. This
blending of the ordinary and the shocking serves to unsettle the reader and emphasizes
the story's underlying themes.
8. Power Structures:
 The role of Mr. Summers, the official in charge of the lottery, and the collective decision-
making process highlight power structures within the community. The story raises
questions about the influence of authority figures and the mechanisms through which
societal norms are maintained.
"The Lottery" remains a powerful and enduring work because of its ability to prompt readers to
question societal norms, challenge conformity, and reflect on the potential for violence that can be
hidden within seemingly ordinary communities.