The Lottery

By Shirley Jackson
 What is lottery?
*is a short story by Shirley Jackson, written just
months before its first publication, in the June 26, 1948
* The story describes a fictional small town which
observes — as do many other communities, both large
and small, throughout contemporary America — an
annual ritual known as "the lottery". It has been
described as "one of the most famous short stories in
the history of American literature".[2]
 What are the characters?
• THE BOYS (BOBBY MARTIN, DICKIE DELACROIX,
HARRY AND BOBBY JONES)
• MR. (JOE) SUMMERS
• MR. (HARRY) GRAVES
• OLD MAN WARNER
• TESS HUTCHINSON
 Characters:
• Mr.and Mrs. Adams
• The Delacroix family
• The Watsons and the Dunbars
• Mrs. Graves
• Mr. Bill Hutchinson
 Characters:

•Baxter Martin
•Mr. and Mrs. Martin
 Bill Hutchinson
• Bill Hutchinson is the character who drew the
lottery ticket with the black dot when the men of
the household were drawing for families.
Although his wife protested, he did not. He
accepted the tradition of the Lottery.
 Tessie
• Tessie is Bill Hutchinson's wife. She ran late to the Lottery gathering
claiming she was doing dishes and didn't want to leave them in the
sink. When Bill draws the black-dotted Lottery ticket, Tessie puts up
quite a protest. She claims her husband was rushed and did not have
time to pull the ticket he really wanted. When Tessie pulls the ticket
with the black dot during the Hutchinson family drawing she
continues with similar protests. Tessie is still protesting as the first of
the stones begin to hit her.
 Old man
• The Lottery described in this story is Old Man Warner's 77th
Lottery. He is the oldest man in the town and completely scoffs
at change. He has the mindset of "this is the way it has always
been, and this is the way it will always be." He is completely
for upholding tradition and feels there is no room for change or
modifications. Old Man Warner also says, "Lottery in June,
corn be heavy soon," during the story, which suggests that the
Lottery may be some sort of sacrifice.
 Mr. Summers
• Mr. Summers conducts the Lottery as he does square dances,
Halloween events and other civic activities because he has
the time to do so. He is sworn in by the post master before
conducting the Lottery. Each year he brings up a new box to
use as the Lottery box and although there is always talk
about the new box, nothing is ever done. Each year the box
grows more and more shabby.
 Mr. Graves
• Mr. Graves is the post master. He
assists Mr. Summers in the Lottery
by carrying the stool upon which the
box will sit.
 END OF DISCUSSION

•-- SHAIRA PARADIANG

•EDITED BY: FOREVER AND
ALWAYS REYNHIKKS 18