The lottery is a game in which a group of people are given the opportunity to win money or prizes by chance. It is a form of gambling, but one that is popular with the public and has become a staple in many state budgets. The lottery is also a way for the government to raise funds for things like public works projects and education. It is a popular method of raising revenue that has been around for centuries.
In the early days of lotteries, states legislated a monopoly for themselves; established a state agency or public corporation to run the lottery (as opposed to licensing a private firm in exchange for a share of profits); and began operations with a modest number of relatively simple games. Over time, however, revenues have exploded, and governments are constantly under pressure to increase them. As a result, they often introduce new games to keep the excitement alive.
Shirley Jackson’s short story, “The Lottery,” is a chilling example of the darker sides of human nature and the destructive power of blindly following tradition. Jackson’s skillful use of irony and symbolism draws the reader into the story, revealing the brutality that is capable of being unleashed by unchecked mob mentality. The story serves as a warning against the dangers of conformity and the capacity for violence that exists in every person.
