This book's significance in world literature
This book has been able to retain a significant presence in world literature since its publication in 1948. However, it's crucial to remember that this book has its detractors, particularly those who argue that—due to its violent character as a horror story—it should be taken off the school curriculum.
The wealth of knowledge imparted by the narrative
Overall, the narrative imparts a wealth of knowledge to the viewer, including themes of sacrifice and symbolism. This essay will make the case that the tale does a good job of highlighting the symbolism theme.
The lottery as a sacrifice
In the story, the members of the town gather around for their annual lottery drawing, however, it is by reading through the last few paragraphs that reader gets to understand that the actual winner of the lottery is the entire town’s sacrifice, which is subjected to stoning by the other members of the town and that includes the writers' own family (Nebeker). This can be hard to understand if the reader does not look at the book from a critical point of view as the deeper meaning of the entire story is the symbolic theme of the dual character of human nature. It can be acknowledged that this dichotomy occurs repeatedly in the book with there being a darker side in almost every element in the story’s plot.
The symbolism of the name "lottery"
The name of the book in itself is symbolic in nature. The name definitely invokes a lot of pleasure responses as the term "lottery" usually refers to a game of chances where individuals get to win prizes. Jackson, on the other hand, does not dispel this perception until in the later stages of the story where it is made evident that winning the lottery is not desirable in any sense. From a critical point of view, it can be concluded that the lottery prize is not monetary in any way, however, it symbolizes randomness of the selection process which is characterized by both chance and luck (Nebeker). When this theme is combined with the theme of sacrifice, the reader gets to understand that the writer views sacrifice as a random process.
The connection to the Day of Atonement lottery
It is important to put in mind the Day of Atonement lottery where 1 of the 2 goats that were brought out was sacrificed as an offering to Jehovah can also be referred to as the lottery. It is true to state that the Day of Atonement lottery a golden box is used and depending on which hand the paper with the message to Jehovah is removed, a goat is thrown down the hill. The lottery in this story shares a lot of elements with the structure of the contemporary Atonement lottery where a box with papers is used to determine the individual to be sacrificed. It can, thus, be acknowledged that the theme of the symbolism of the lottery as the Day of Atonement presents a different view of the theme of sacrifice where it is seen as the one being offered because of our sins (Nebeker). Criticisms have been raised here where most readers are usually left terrified by the actions of the town’s people as the writer makes no critical discussion of the killings.
The symbolic meaning in the characters' names
The characters’ names also carry a lot of symbolic meaning. For example, Mr. Summers, the individual in charge of running the lottery, has a very pleasant name, and however, he represents the theme of human duality that runs throughout the story. In simple terms, despite the perception painted by his name and his physical appearance, it is he who hands someone a death sentence. The name given to Mrs. Graves carries a literal symbol, in that, graves are markers of death and they represent the end of all men. Delacroix is the name given to a boy character who makes a great pile of stone (Nebeker). It can be acknowledged that according to the French, Delacroix is a term that refers to the crucifixion. A Crucifixion is a form of sacrifice according to the Christians, however, in this story, another form of sacrifice presents itself. Jesus Christ sacrificed and died on the cross for the sake of humanity but the woman in the story sacrifices and dies for the sake of religion.
The symbolism related to Islam
It can also be acknowledged that the story carries a lot of symbolism related to Islam as a religion. It can be acknowledged that 27 is a very significant number in the months of the Islamic culture, as well as, stoning in Islamic law. According to the story, the lottery takes place on the 27th of June of every year and the stoning was used as a form of punishment, as well as, the stoning of Satan. A woman was sacrificed in the story, in relation to Islam, women represent a lower status in the Muslim society.
Conclusion
Symbolism is one of the major themes in the story. It can be acknowledged that the writer used the story to refer to a lot of elements taking place in society, for example, the social status of women, religion, and even language.
Works Cited
Nebeker, Helen E. "" The Lottery": Symbolic Tour de Force." American Literature 46.1 (1974): 100-108.
