The Lottery

Although traditions are closely related to human history, some traditions are completely irrational  and defy the laws of evolution, because as humans evolve, learn and create, traditional acts can often delay this process. In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, a small town maintain an annual tradition that some fear, but are required to take part in. Although the tradition has remained intact over countless years and will continue for some time, it is apparent that as each year passes, a few people have become very resentful towards the lottery.

There is evidence that shows the tradition will continue on, regardless of how some people feel towards it. One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting this belief is the fact that the tradition has been instilled into the next generation of participants who have not acquired the brain capacity to reject this concept. A few children even went to the extent of making a "pile of stones in one corner of the square"(147) to prepare for the annual event. Also, many people have learnt to accept the tradition, and it has become a source of entertainment for them, and although many of the towns people have forgotten the original ritual and black box, "they still remembered to use stones"(154). This being said, the heart of the tradition weather it be entertainment, brutality or self sacrifice, is still alive.

Indubitably, the Lottery will continue for many years to come, it is noticeable that an end will eventually come to the tradition. Some of the towns people have become disinterested in the tradition and other towns "have already quit lotteries"(152). This being the case, people may become influenced by others and consider  the idea of change and abolish the tradition all together. Furthermore, as some people feel the need to change things, the some of the people keeping the tradition established have completely forgotten about "the original paraphernalia for the lottery"(148).

The lottery will be held annually for now, but there may come a day when the tradition is turned away by it's participants. This is because as each generation passes, there might be one that disregards this practice and views it differently from the rest. It is already apparent that some of the villagers feel animosity towards the lottery. Just like the creators of this tradition, it will inevitably come to an end.