A lottery is a method of choosing winners in a competition or drawing. The winnings are usually a combination of cash and prizes. Many states have laws regulating the lottery. The word lottery is probably derived from the Dutch word lot, meaning fate or chance. It is also possible that the term is a calque of Middle French loterie, which refers to a type of commercial promotion in which a consideration (property or money) must be paid for a chance to win. Modern lotteries are generally considered gambling. They may be used to select military conscripts, employees in government agencies, members of juries, and other people for various reasons. They can also be used for charitable activities.
The lottery has become a popular pastime for some, but it has also caused problems. Some people become addicted and end up spending a large percentage of their incomes on tickets. Some have even gone into debt so that they can continue to buy lottery tickets. Others feel that they have a duty to play the lottery because it helps the state. Some of the profits are given to charity, so in a sense everyone benefits from the lottery.
Jackson’s use of wording in her short story, ‘The Lottery’ is very effective at conveying the underlying theme of the story. When she mentions that the children assembled first, “of course”, she implies that they are always the first to assemble. This is a contrast to the adults who are preparing to participate in a horrible event. The fact that the children are participating in this cruel act is a reminder of the inherent evil in humans.
‘The Lottery’ is a disturbing tale that illustrates how human beings are capable of doing terrible things to one another, even when it seems they are being nice. The story also demonstrates the power of tradition and social expectations. Despite the fact that the story was written in 1948, it continues to generate controversy and discussion to this day.
The life-death cycle archetypes are weaved into the plot of this story. It is also a story of blind obedience to the tradition. The story illustrates the pitfalls of societal behavior, including how humans can behave in ways that are unthinkable and irrational. It is also a story of how some people can be very deceptive and treacherous. In addition, it is a tale about the importance of family and community. This story is an excellent choice for teaching students about the themes of life, death and human nature. It is a classic tale that can be taught to high school and college students alike. It is definitely worth reading.