the lottery essay theme

The Lottery

Shirley jackson, everything you need for every book you read..

The Juxtaposition of Peace and Violence

“The Lottery” begins with a description of a particular day, the 27th of June, which is marked by beautiful details and a warm tone that strongly contrast with the violent and dark ending of the story. The narrator describes flowers blossoming and children playing, but the details also include foreshadowing of the story’s resolution, as the children are collecting stones and three boys guard their pile against the “raids of the other boys.” These details…

Human Nature

Jackson examines the basics of human nature in “The Lottery,” asking whether or not all humans are capable of violence and cruelty, and exploring how those natural inclinations can be masked, directed, or emphasized by the structure of society. Philosophers throughout the ages have similarly questioned the basic structure of human character: are humans fundamentally good or evil? Without rules and laws, how would we behave towards one another? Are we similar to animals in…

Family Structure and Gender Roles

The ritual of the lottery itself is organized around the family unit, as, in the first round, one member of a family selects a folded square of paper. The members of the family with the marked slip of paper must then each select another piece of paper to see the individual singled out within that family. This process reinforces the importance of the family structure within the town, and at the same time creates a…

The Power of Tradition

The villagers in the story perform the lottery every year primarily because they always have—it’s just the way things are done. The discussion of this traditional practice, and the suggestion in the story that other villages are breaking from it by disbanding the lottery, demonstrates the persuasive power of ritual and tradition for humans. The lottery, in itself, is clearly pointless: an individual is killed after being randomly selected. Even the original ritual has been…

Dystopian Society and Conformity

Jackson’s “The Lottery” was published in the years following World War II, when the world was presented with the full truth about Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. In creating the dystopian society of her story, Jackson was clearly responding to the fact that “dystopia” is not only something of the imagination—it can exist in the real world as well. Jackson thus meditates on human cruelty—especially when it is institutionalized, as in a dystopian society—and the…

Literary Theory and Criticism

Home › Literature › Analysis of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery

Analysis of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on May 28, 2021

As were many of Shirley Jackson’s stories, “The Lottery” was first published in the New Yorker  and, subsequently, as the title story of The Lottery: or, The Adventures of James Harris in 1949. It may well be the world’s most frequently anthologized short story. A modern horror story, it derives its effect from a reversal of the readers’ expectations, already established by the ordinary setting of a warm June day in a rural community. Readers, lulled into this false summer complacency, begin to feel horror, their moods changing with the narrator’s careful use of evidence and suspense, until the full realization of the appalling ritual murder bursts almost unbearably on them.

The story opens innocently enough, as the townspeople gather for an unidentified annual event connected to the harvest. The use of names initially seems to bolster the friendliness of the gathering; we feel we know these people as, one by one, their names are called in alphabetical order. In retrospect, however, the names of the male lottery organizers—Summer and Graves—provide us with clues to the transition from life to death. Tessie, the soon-to-be-victim housewife, may allude to another bucolic Tess (in Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles ), whose promising beginnings transformed into gore and death at the hands of men.

Shirley Jackson/Erich Hartmann

The scholar and critic Linda Wagner-Martin observes that only recently have readers noticed the import of the sacrificial victim’s gender: In the traditional patriarchal system that values men and children, mothers are devalued once they have fulfilled their childbearing roles. Tessie, late to the gathering because her arms were plunged to the elbow in dishwater, seems inconsequential, even irritating, at first. Only as everyone in the town turns against her— children, men, other women invested in the system that sustains them—does the reader become aware that this is a ritual stoning of a scapegoat who can depend on no one: not her daughter, not her husband, not even her little boy, Davy, who picks up an extraordinarily large rock to throw at her.

No reader can finish this story without contemplating the violence and inhumanity that Jackson intended it to portray. In the irony of its depiction lies the horror of this classic tale and, one hopes, a careful reevaluation of social codes and meaningless rituals.

Analysis of Shirley Jackson’s Stories

https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-authors-voice/a-m-homes-reads-shirley-jackson-the-lottery

BIBLIOGRAPHY Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery: or, The Adventures of James Harris. New York: Farrar, Straus, 1949. Wagner-Martin, Linda. “The Lottery.” In Reference Guide to Short Fiction, edited by Noelle Watson, 783–784. Detroit: St. James Press, 1994.

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The Lottery by Shirley Jackson – Summary, Themes, and Analysis

August 31, 2023

Shirley Jackson is best remembered for her sharply critical, feminist deflation of broadly accepted norms of mid-twentieth-century American life. It is a great irony that her most incendiary of works, “The Lottery,” is now a widely taught classic. When Jackson’s short story was published in The New Yorker in late June of 1948, both the author and magazine were subjected to a firestorm of hate mail from readers. The story made Jackson famous, or infamous, almost overnight. Its early reception is perhaps one key to the story’s enduring appeal for contemporary readers. Why did Jackson strike such a nerve in 1948? You can hear the story read by the actress Elisabeth Moss , who notably played Jackson in a recent biopic. But if you want to understand what made the story a firebrand of controversy, this article postulates some theories after our The Lottery by Shirley Jackson summary.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Summary

Jackson’s story takes place within a single day, June 27th, of an unspecified year. The first sentences establish the bucolic, small-town setting in which the action will unfold. During this day, villagers will amass in the town square for the yearly lottery, which lasts for about two hours. Jackson’s narrator compares this with other, similarly unnamed larger towns where the ritual takes longer. Children recently on summer break are the first to assemble. Three male children, named Bobby Martin, Harry Jones, and Dickie Delacroix, make a game of aggregating and sorting stones. Soon adult men, followed by women, begin to gather. They exhibit the stereotypical normalcy of small-town life, warmly gossiping and discussing work.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Summary—Part Two

As more gather, they begin to sort themselves into discrete nuclear families. Then Mr. Summers, the organizer and master of ceremonies for this town’s lottery, is introduced. It is suggested that he occupies his role because of his lack of children. He carries a black wooden box, which he places on a three-legged stool in the center of the square. Reflecting on this box, the narrator describes its age and the even older “original [lottery] paraphernalia” that has been lost. Despite this, the villagers respect the sense of tradition conferred on the black box. Some even tell stories that the box is made up of pieces of the older box. Although the symbols and process of the lottery have gradually changed, there is still a concerted effort by all involved to connect it to the ritual’s origins.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Summary—Part Three

Mr. Summers filled the box with slips of paper the previous day and kept it locked in a safe overnight. His duties also involve confirming the attendance of each family and family member. While Mr. Summers prepares for the lottery, Tessie Hutchinson shows up breathless and late, having forgotten the important date. She good-humoredly greets her husband, Bill, who playfully chides her lateness. After Tessie’s arrival, Mr. Summers expresses his impatience to begin. A man named Dunbar is discovered to be absent due to a broken leg. It is ascertained that his wife will draw in the lottery in his place, because Dunbar’s son is under the age of sixteen. However, another teenage boy in the Watson family declares he is old enough to draw for his father.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Summary—Part Four

Following a hush in the crowd, Mr. Summers begins the lottery. As Mr. Summers reads names, the heads of families approach the box and extract a piece of paper. The men, Mrs. Dunbar, and young Jack Watson select paper slips. They each avoid looking at the slips and hold onto them nervously. While this process unfolds, the villagers gossip about other towns abandoning the lottery ritual. Old Man Warner, the oldest villager, scoffs at this and derides young people. He asserts the necessity of the lottery for a productive, harmonious society and a plentiful harvest. When his name is called, Old Man Warner announces that it is his seventy-seventh year taking part in the lottery.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Summary—Part Five

After all the heads of families draw papers, they simultaneously open them to read the results. It is revealed that the Hutchinson family has been selected in this year’s lottery. Bill Hutchison seems stoic in the face of the news, but his late-arriving wife Tessie immediately panics. She argues with Mr. Summers, saying he rushed her husband’s paper selection. Bill and the other villagers chide her for her response and caution her to be a good sport. Then, Mr. Summers prepares for the next phase of the lottery process. Five slips of paper are selected in put in the box, representing Bill, Tessie, and three of their children. The others are scattered on the ground.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Summary—Part Six

Tessie continues to protest, saying that her other daughter and son-in-law should be included. Mr. Summers rebuffs this argument, explaining that daughters draw with their husbands’ families. Demoralized, Tessie fumes to herself about the unfairness of the lottery. Next, the five Hutchinsons—Bill, Tessie, Bill, Jr., Nancy, and little Dave—select from the five available slips. Amid the mounting dread of the narrative, there is a horrifying description of the Hutchinson toddler being helped to draw. A girl in the crowd whispers her hope that her twelve-year-old friend, Nancy Hutchinson, will be spared. Old Man Warner expresses disappointment that the atmosphere is different than it used to be. We can infer from his earlier characterization that he expects a more respectful, enthusiastic response.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Summary—Ending

After each of the family members has selected, Mr. Summers tells them to open their slips. A general sigh is let out when little Dave’s paper is revealed to be blank. Nancy and Bill, Jr. also have blank papers. Finally, Bill opens his paper and reveals that it is also blank. Mr. Hutchinson forces the mute Tessie to reveal her slip, which bears a black spot. In a cruel twist of irony, Tessie is the “winner” of the lottery. Everyone quickly prepares for the end of the ritual. Jackson’s narrator remarks that, although many aspects of the ritual have been forgotten, the use of stones has been endlessly preserved.

Villagers select from the pile of stones prepared earlier by the children. Mrs. Delacroix, who has been friendly with Tessie throughout the story, selects a stone so large it requires both hands. Even little Dave Hutchinson is supplied with a few pebbles, suggesting the necessity of universal participation. With Tessie now in the middle of the square, the villagers begin to hurl the stones at her. She desperately begs them to stop, continuing to protest that the lottery was not fair. But the story ends with the villagers converging on Tessie and presumably killing her.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Theme: Group Psychology

An immediately remarkable aspect of “The Lottery” is the relative anonymity of its setting and characters. We never learn the name of the town or even its location. Some of the characters are given names and brief sketches of their backgrounds and interiorities. But for the most part, the emphasis is on an undifferentiated small-town community. And the only thing we really know about this community is its potential for sudden aggression and violence. From this, it seems clear that Jackson is interested in using fiction to explore the group psychology of mob violence.

Earlier in the century, psychologists Gustave Le Bon and Sigmund Freud were developing influential theories of the group mind. As with contemporary accounts of mob mentality in the field of social psychology, Le Bon and Freud were interested in theorizing how people in crowds lose their sense of identity and carry out actions that would be deemed unacceptable when committed by individuals alone. These theories would take on new significance in the post-War era, with the collective violence of Nazism in the rearview.

In “The Lottery,” the anonymity of the setting and characters contributes to the sense that it is a psychological test case. There is even the suggestion that everyone, even Little Dave, must participate in the violence to make it acceptable. Jackson’s interest in psychology is palpable across her oeuvre, particularly in her masterful The Haunting of Hill House . With “The Lottery,” she expertly made use of the constraints of the short story structure to provide as little information as possible, which greatly contributes to the story’s examination of groupthink.

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Theme: Invented Traditions and Mythic Thinking

In the short story, a good deal of space is devoted to the specific histories and rituals of the lottery. We learn how the ritual has altered in the years since its inception. But the townsfolk also make a concerted effort to maintain a link with tradition through the lottery. This dynamic between novelty and tradition provides Jackson an opportunity to explore the theme of invented traditions. The historians Eric Hobsbawm and Terence Ranger coined the term “invented tradition” in the 1980s. They describe how most traditions we think of as ancient in origin are usually invented more recently. People use symbols and myths to confer the idea of tradition on newer practices and rituals.  For instance, the villagers imagine that Mr. Summer’s black box is made from pieces of an even older box. This allows them to imagine that time-bound practices are more timeless.

Hobsbawm and Ranger argue that invented traditions are most apparent in the mythic thinking of nationalism. Though nations are relatively modern inventions, we use national symbols and myths to make them seem ancient. Similarly, the lottery helps cohere the community through a shared sense of earlier roots. The townsfolk are ready to sacrifice themselves in the lottery in the same way that citizens are valorized for sacrificing their lives for the nation. Through the invented tradition of the lottery, Jackson explores the way mythic thinking confers arbitrary events with moral significance. Although her characters alter the tradition to suit their whims, its link to vaguely defined origins ensures its continued value.

The Lottery Analysis: Patriarchal Violence, Romantic Nationalism, and Conformity in Post-War America

Jackson’s exploration of group psychology and invented traditions like nationalism has obvious historical significance. The story came immediately after World War II, when mob mentality and romantic nationalism plunged the globe into total war. The authoritarianism of Nazi Germany was bolstered by a sense of a shared tradition, where true citizens were mythically bound together by blood and connection to the land. Thus, Jackson’s story provocatively uses its bucolic, communitarian setting to explore dark, ultra-nationalist thought.

Why then was Jackson’s story so controversial for the American reading public? Alongside its rather off-putting cruelty, the story suggests fundamental parallels between aspects of democratic American culture and more authoritarian societies. It does this by eviscerating the legitimacy of any kind of nationalist culture. The titular lottery offers a microcosmic example of the human cost of invented national traditions. While many believed the loss of American lives in World War II was for a good cause, Jackson’s story suggests the deluded thinking that contributes to this self-sacrificial attitude. The real power of “The Lottery” comes from its refusal of specificity in setting. Through this, Jackson suggests that fascistic attitudes were more universalized than her audience liked to imagine.

The Lottery Analysis—Continued

“The Lottery” also draws attention to the role scapegoats play within communities. Societies, especially those organized around a sense of shared tradition, often persecute others to mark their limits. It seems to be no accident that the ultimate scapegoat of the lottery is a woman. We can glean from the story that this is a patriarchal culture, with families organized around adult men. Here again, Jackson draws disconcerting parallels between the masculinist, authoritarian culture of Nazi Germany and patriarchal U.S. culture. In both cases, women, along with ethnic and religious minorities, were oppressed to valorize male- and ethnocentric nations.

As a feminist text, “The Lottery” seems to stand out from earlier examples that draw attention to the plight of women while endorsing nationalist or racist attitudes. In this way, you might compare it to another famous short story: Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper. In contrast to Gilman’s eugenicist views, the picture of Jackson we get from “The Lottery” is antagonistic to the host of ways masculinist society creates others to maintain legitimacy.

The Lottery Summary & Analysis—Conclusion

For an American culture high off its victory in the recent World War, Jackson’s story undeniably sounded a sour note. Against the prevailing self-congratulatory attitude, it sounded an alarm about the continued threat of nationalist mob mentality. And her readers should have listened. Two years after the story was published, McCarthyism reached a fever pitch in the U.S. Suspicion over who was sufficiently national, and who could be sacrificed to ensure the success of the nation, abounded. The cultural politics of the following decade became defined by a tendency toward conformity and hostility to difference. But arguably, we have continued to grapple as a society with these kinds of problems ever since.

Whether we locate ourselves in the post-9/11 era or in the recent resurgence of far-right nationalism, Jackson’s story unfortunately still resonates. It remains an endless curiosity for how it captured a late-40s zeitgeist, and an ominous warning of violence to come.

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169 The Lottery Essay Topics & Questions for Analysis and Argumentative Papers

“The Lottery” is a chilling short story by Shirley Jackson.

Each year, the townspeople gather to hold a lottery. After winning the local lottery, the winners don’t receive any money. Instead, they are stoned to death. Shirley Jackson portrays the brutal and senseless violence lurking beneath the surface of an ordinary small town.

Continue reading this article to find various topic selections and essay prompts. And don’t forget about a bonus at the end: a writing guide for an essay on “The Lottery.”

⭐ Top 12 The Lottery Essay Topics

✏️ the lottery essay prompts.

• 🤔 The Lottery Analysis Essay
• 💡 The Lottery Argumentative Essay

❓ The Lottery Essay Questions

• ✔️ Bonus Essay Topics
• 📋 The Lottery Essay Outline

🔗 References

• The role of tradition in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
• The power of groupthink in “The Lottery.”
• Symbolism and foreshadowing in “The Lottery.”
• The use of irony in “The Lottery.”
• The significance of the title in “The Lottery.”
• The relationship between gender and violence in “The Lottery.”
• The theme of blind obedience in “The Lottery.”
• The significance of the black box in “The Lottery.”
• The role of fear in “The Lottery.”
• The importance of setting in “The Lottery.”
• The theme of human nature in “The Lottery.”
• The role of sacrifice in “The Lottery.”

Don’t know where to start your essay on “The Lottery”? The writing prompts below can help you find inspiration for your paper.

Symbolism in The Lottery: Essay Prompt

In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” symbolism is significant in conveying the story’s themes and underlying messages. Discuss how it is used in the story. Explain how symbolism contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

Consider the following symbols: the black box, the stones, and the lottery itself.

• What do these symbols represent?
• How do they reflect the story’s central themes of tradition, violence, and conformity?
• How does Jackson’s use of symbolism create tension and build toward the story’s shocking conclusion?

Use evidence from the text to support your analysis .

The Lottery Theme: Essay Prompt

In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the author explores the theme of blind obedience.

In your essay, provide examples from the text that support this theme. You can use the story’s climax as an illustration. Describe how Tessie’s selection as the sacrificial victim highlights the consequences of mindlessly following authority.

You may also discuss how the story’s message can be applied to real-world situations. You could write about politics, religion, or social norms. Explain how it can serve as a warning to people who are led by society.

Setting of the Lottery: Essay Prompt

In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the setting is essential to the story’s meaning. Analyze how it contributes to the overall theme and message.

• Describe how the setting creates a sense of familiarity and unease for the reader. You can also define how it foreshadows the eventual violence and horror of the lottery.
• Consider how the small-town atmosphere, with its traditions and social hierarchies, contributes to the theme. Discuss how the story’s setting reflects the period in which it was written. Write about the social pressures in post-World War II America.
• Explain why the story’s setting resonates with contemporary readers and how it contributes to its impact.

Prompt for Compare and Contrast Essay on The Lottery and The Hunger Games

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Suzanne Collins’s “The Hunger Games” explore the theme of ritualized violence. You can compare and contrast the portrayal of this theme in the two texts.

• Consider the similarities and differences between how the societies in each story use ritualized violence.
• Compare the protagonists of each story, Katniss Everdeen and Tessie Hutchinson. Describe how they respond to the violence in their respective societies.
• Discuss how each story uses the theme of ritualized violence to comment on real-world issues, for instance, the effects of societal structures and power dynamics on individual agency.
• Define which story offers a more effective critique of the dangers of ritualized violence in society.

🤔 Topics for The Lottery Analysis Essay

Below, we’ve selected the best Lottery essay topics for your literary analysis paper. Check them out to get inspired!

The Lottery Critical Analysis Essay: Topics

• Symbolism in “The Lottery”: the deeper meaning behind the lottery process.
• The theme of blind adherence to tradition in “The Lottery.”
• The role of violence in “The Lottery” and its impact on the plot.
• The social commentary on conformity and collective psychology in “The Lottery.”
• Psychological effects of the lottery on the characters in Shirley Jackson’s story.
• The role of fear and manipulation in “The Lottery.”
• Analyzing the use of suspense and foreshadowing in the story.
• The theme of sacrifice in “The Lottery” and its implications.
• The concept of scapegoating in “The Lottery.”
• The significance of the black box and its symbolism in “The Lottery.”
• The portrayal of mob mentality and its consequences in “The Lottery.”
• Evaluating the portrayal of community dynamics in the story.
• The ethical implications of withholding information in “The Lottery.”
• The use of irony and its purpose in “The Lottery.”
• Analyzing the role of gender and power dynamics in “The Lottery.”
• Comparing the lottery in “The Lottery” to real-world rituals and traditions.
• The portrayal of power structures and hierarchies in “The Lottery.”
• Analyzing the connection between tradition and progress in “The Lottery.”
• Exploring the historical and cultural context of “The Lottery.”
• The use of setting and atmosphere to enhance the narrative in “The Lottery.”

Topics for The Lottery Character Analysis Essay

• Tessie Hutchinson’s transformation throughout “The Lottery.”
• Old Man Warner: analyzing the role of tradition and fear in shaping his character.
• Mr. Summers: examining the character’s influence and authority within the lottery process.
• Understanding Bill Hutchinson’s motives and actions in relation to the lottery.
• Mrs. Delacroix: analyzing her participation and reaction in the lottery drawing.
• The impact of the lottery on children in the story.
• Mr. Graves’s role as the lottery official and his attitude toward the event.
• Mrs. Adams’s perspective and relationship with the lottery tradition.
• The motivations and decision-making process of the Lottery Committee.
• The Villagers: analyzing the collective mindset and conformity of the community.
• Old Man Warner’s Grandchildren: the potential impact of the lottery on future generations.
• Comparing and contrasting the characters’ reactions to the lottery.
• The portrayal of female characters in “The Lottery” and their role in perpetuating the violence.
• Gender roles and dynamics portrayed in the characters of “The Lottery.”
• The symbolism associated with each character in “The Lottery.”
• The characters’ moral and ethical dilemmas concerning the lottery.
• The characters’ motivations for upholding or questioning the lottery tradition.
• The impact of social pressure and conformity on the characters’ actions in the lottery.
• Analyzing the characters’ perspectives on sacrifice in “The Lottery.”
• Critiquing the absence of empathy and compassion in the characters of “The Lottery.”

The Lottery Literary Analysis Essay: Topics

• The use of symbolism in shaping the characters and themes in “The Lottery.”
• Exploring dramatic irony in the character interactions of “The Lottery.”
• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: literary analysis .
• The role of foreshadowing in developing suspense and tension in the story.
• The use of setting to enhance the atmosphere and mood in “The Lottery.”
• The significance of the black box as a central literary device in the story.
• The use of irony in the characterizations and actions of the villagers.
• Allegory in “The Lottery” and its impact on the interpretation of the characters.
• The use of repetition and ritualistic language in the lottery process and its effect on the characters.
• The contrast between appearance and reality through literary devices in “The Lottery.”
• The role of allusion in deepening the meaning and implications of the characters’ actions.
• The use of suspense and pacing to engage readers and heighten the character development.
• Situational irony in the characters’ acceptance and participation in the lottery.
• Symbolism of Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
• Dialogue as a literary device revealing the characters’ attitudes and beliefs in “The Lottery.”
• The use of metaphor and simile in describing characters and their actions in “The Lottery.”
• The impact of point of view as a narrative device in “The Lottery.”
• The role of satire and irony in critiquing societal norms and the characters’ adherence to them in “The Lottery.”
• The use of ambiguity and uncertainty in shaping the readers’ perceptions of the characters.
• Irony and paradox in the characters’ motivations and decision-making.
• The role of personification in “The Lottery.”
• Cliffhangers and unresolved situations as the means of suspense in “The Lottery.”

💡 Topics for The Lottery Argumentative Essay

• The portrayal of blind conformity in “The Lottery” as a critique of societal norms.
• “The Lottery” as a powerful allegory for the dangers of tradition and ritualistic behavior.
• The role of the black box in “The Lottery” as a symbol of oppression and control.
• Critiquing the role of the individual in “The Lottery” and the consequences of collective action.
• “The Lottery” as a commentary on the dangers of mob mentality and groupthink .
• The lottery as an instrument of social control and manipulation in “The Lottery”.
• Suspense and tension in “The Lottery” provoke thought and discussion.
• The representation of sacrifice and its ethical implications in “The Lottery.”
• The lottery as a reflection of the dark side of human nature in “The Lottery”.
• The consequences of blindly upholding tradition and its relevance in “The Lottery.”
• The theme of social inequality and discrimination in “The Lottery.”
• The role of fear in perpetuating the lottery tradition in “The Lottery.”
• Arguments for the abolishment of the lottery in the story.
• The lottery as a representation of the human capacity for cruelty and violence.
• The manipulation of fear and the maintenance of control in “The Lottery.”
• The lottery as a reflection of societal values and priorities in “The Lottery”.
• The lottery as a tool for social cohesion and unity in “The Lottery”.
• The portrayal of dehumanization and the loss of individuality in “The Lottery.”
• Critiquing the role of randomness and chance in the lottery drawing in the story.
• The lottery as a symbol of fatalistic thinking and resignation to one’s fate.
• The role of tradition in “The Lottery” and its resistance to change and progress.
• Critically analyzing the villagers’ belief in the lottery and its justification.
• The lottery as a reflection of the human desire for control and dominance.
• The characters’ absence of agency and free will in “The Lottery.”
• Critiquing the portrayal of community and its values in “The Lottery.”
• The lottery as a commentary on the dangers of following traditions without questioning.
• The portrayal of surprise and shock in “The Lottery” and its effects on the characters.
• Lessons about collective responsibility and guilt learned from “The Lottery.”
• The lottery as a reflection of the human tendency to participate in harmful practices.
• The portrayal of sanity and madness in “The Lottery.”
• Critically analyzing the representation of violence and its consequences in “The Lottery.”
• The lottery as a metaphor for the injustices and cruelties in the real world.
• Individual responsibility in a deterministic society as portrayed in “The Lottery.”
• The relevance and significance of “The Lottery” in contemporary society.
• The transformation of Bill Hutchinson’s character from a passive bystander to a victim.
• How does “The Lottery” satirically critique blind adherence to tradition?
• What role does symbolism play in “The Lottery,” and how does it enhance the story’s meaning?
• Is the lottery ritual in the story a representation of mob mentality, and if so, how?
• Does “The Lottery” effectively challenge the concept of a just and fair society?
• How does Shirley Jackson use foreshadowing to build suspense in “The Lottery”?
• What is the meaning of recurring references to food and feasting in the story?
• Is there any significance to the selection of Tessie Hutchinson as the sacrifice in “The Lottery”?
• In what ways does “The Lottery” explore the theme of conformity and its dangers?
• Is the violence depicted in “The Lottery” necessary for the story’s impact, or could it have been portrayed differently?
• What does the ending of “The Lottery” suggest about the human capacity for cruelty?
• How does Shirley Jackson use irony to convey her message in “The Lottery”?
• Is there any redeeming value to the lottery tradition portrayed in the story, or is it solely a negative portrayal?
• Who can be the real audience of “The Lottery,” and how does it affect the understanding of the story?
• Why does no one in the town openly resist the lottery?
• Is “The Lottery” primarily a critique of societal norms or a commentary on human nature?
• What commentary does “The Lottery” make about the arbitrary nature of violence in society?
• Are there any sympathetic characters in “The Lottery,” or are they all complicit in the violent tradition?
• What does “The Lottery” suggest about the cyclical nature of violence and oppression?
• Does “The Lottery” serve as a critique of organized religion and its potential for harm?
• How does the public nature of the lottery in the story influence the characters’ participation?
• Is there any significance to the fact that the lottery tradition has been passed down through generations?
• How does “The Lottery” challenge the notion of the inherent goodness of human beings?
• Is “The Lottery” a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of a strict social hierarchy?
• What is the significance of the date and time of year the lottery takes place in the story?
• How does the fear of punishment influence the characters’ obedience to the lottery tradition?
• Do the characters in “The Lottery” have any agency in their participation, or are they merely victims of tradition?
• Is “The Lottery” an effective critique of the concept of luck and chance in society?
• How does the portrayal of children in “The Lottery” contribute to the story’s tone and message?
• What role do the women in “The Lottery” play in upholding the tradition and perpetuating the violence?
• Is there a deeper meaning to the significance of the stones as the chosen method of execution in “The Lottery”?
• What is the purpose and impact of the seemingly banal conversations and interactions among the characters in the story?
• Does “The Lottery” explore the theme of sacrifice and its relevance to societal structures?
• How does the use of a small-town setting in “The Lottery” contribute to the story’s overall impact?
• Does “The Lottery” suggest that violence and oppression are inherent in human nature, or are they products of societal structures?
• How does the character of Tessie Hutchinson challenge or conform to societal expectations in “The Lottery”?
• Does “The Lottery” critique the role of gender in enforcing and perpetuating harmful societal traditions?
• In what ways does “The Lottery” comment on the dangers of passivity and indifference in the face of injustice?
• How does the portrayal of the lottery tradition in “The Lottery” relate to real-world rituals and customs?
• How do the names of the characters, such as Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves, contribute to the story’s themes and symbolism?
• Why did Jackson decide not to include details about the lottery’s origin and purpose?

✔️ Bonus Essay Topics for The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

• The psychological impact of the lottery on the villagers in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
• The historical context of “The Lottery” and its relevance today.
• The paradoxical nature of community in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
• The significance of Shirley Jackson’s legacy and her impact on modern horror literature through “The Lottery.”
• The significance of the title “The Lottery” and its connection to fate.
• The use of suspense and surprise endings in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
• Shirley Jackson’s personal experiences and how they influenced “The Lottery.”
• The role of tradition in shaping societal norms in “The Lottery” and its relevance today.
• The significance of the date June 27th in “The Lottery.”
• The portrayal of mental illness in “The Lottery” and its societal implications.
• The role of education in challenging societal norms in “The Lottery.”
• The portrayal of masculinity in “The Lottery” and its connection to power dynamics.
• Shirley Jackson’s legacy and influence on modern literature.
• The impact of “The Lottery” on the literary world and its reception at the time of publication.
• The controversy surrounding “The Lottery” and its banning in certain schools and communities.
• The portrayal of the elderly in “The Lottery” and their societal marginalization.
• The theme of sacrifice and its connection to the American Dream in “The Lottery.”
• The role of tradition and ritual in shaping modern society as explored in “The Lottery”.
• The significance of the lottery as a form of entertainment in “The Lottery.”
• The relevance of “The Lottery” in contemporary conformity and social pressure discussions.

📋 The Lottery by Shirley Jackson: Essay Outline

Do you want to write an A+ essay about “The Lottery”? We’ve prepared a writing guide to help you with this task.

The Lottery Essay Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention. To do so, you’ll need to start with a hook — it is a statement or question that captures the reader’s interest and makes them want to keep reading. Look at the example:

Hook: Imagine living in a small town where the annual tradition is choosing who would be stoned to death. Would you participate in such a ritual or rebel against it?

After that, you should provide some context for the topic. Background information helps the readers understand what the paper will be about. Here’s an example of how it might look:

Background information: First published in 1948, the story shocked readers with its portrayal of a seemingly idyllic community that engages in a horrific act of violence.

The last sentence of the introduction should be your thesis statement .

Thesis Statement for The Lottery

A thesis statement is a claim or argument that addresses the prompt or topic of an essay. It should be concise and debatable and provide a roadmap for the rest of the paper. A good thesis statement should also reflect the writer’s position. This sentence is supposed to guide the reader’s understanding of the essay’s main point.

Consider “The Lottery” thesis statement example:

Thesis statement: “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson uses the brutal ritual of a small town’s annual lottery to criticize the dangers of blindly following tradition and highlight the inherent violence and cruelty thriving beneath seemingly peaceful communities.

Essay on The Lottery: Body Paragraphs

When writing body paragraphs, it’s important to focus on one main idea or argument per paragraph.

Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence . It should state the main point and link the paragraph to the previous one. Here’s an example:

Topic sentence: The use of foreshadowing in “The Lottery” creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the story.

A topic sentence is followed by supporting sentences . Each supporting sentence should provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back up the paragraph’s main idea. Use specific details from the story to support your claims and explain how they relate to your argument. Check out this example:

Supporting evidence: From the opening scene, where the villagers gather in the town square, there are hints of something ominous about to happen. The children are gathering stones, and the adults are murmuring uneasily.

The Lottery Essay Conclusion

The conclusion is the final section of an essay that summarizes the main arguments and closes the discussion. To write a good conclusion, restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points. Here’s an example of how a paraphrased thesis might look:

Restated thesis: Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” describes the violent tradition of an annual lottery in a small town to critique the ones conforming to traditions while also bringing attention to violence and brutality that may exist in places that look quiet at first sight.

To end a text, you should wrap up the discussion and provide closure for the reader. You can do it by offering a final thought, insight, or a call to action.

It’s important to avoid introducing new information or arguments in a conclusion. It can confuse or frustrate your audience. Instead, focus on bringing the discussion to a satisfying and meaningful end that leaves a lasting impression.

We hope our list of topics and writing guide have been helpful. You can also try our online topic generator to always have fresh ideas for your paper.

• The Lottery: Themes | SparkNotes
• Reading and Discussion Questions on Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” | Washington State University
• Study Guide to Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” | Kansas State University
• The Lottery Themes | Shmoop
• Analysis of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson | ThoughtCo
• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson | University of Hawaii
• The Lottery Themes | eNotes
• The Symbolism of Jackson’s “The Lottery” Explained | Interesting Literature
• The Normalization of Violence in “The Lottery” | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The Lottery

By Shirley Jackson

Audio: Read by A. M. Homes.

The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green. The people of the village began to gather in the square, between the post office and the bank, around ten o’clock; in some towns there were so many people that the lottery took two days and had to be started on June 26th, but in this village, where there were only about three hundred people, the whole lottery took only about two hours, so it could begin at ten o’clock in the morning and still be through in time to allow the villagers to get home for noon dinner.

The children assembled first, of course. School was recently over for the summer, and the feeling of liberty sat uneasily on most of them; they tended to gather together quietly for a while before they broke into boisterous play, and their talk was still of the classroom and the teacher, of books and reprimands. Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example, selecting the smoothest and roundest stones; Bobby and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacroix—the villagers pronounced this name “Dellacroy”—eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys. The girls stood aside, talking among themselves, looking over their shoulders at the boys, and the very small children rolled in the dust or clung to the hands of their older brothers or sisters.

Soon the men began to gather, surveying their own children, speaking of planting and rain, tractors and taxes. They stood together, away from the pile of stones in the corner, and their jokes were quiet and they smiled rather than laughed. The women, wearing faded house dresses and sweaters, came shortly after their menfolk. They greeted one another and exchanged bits of gossip as they went to join their husbands. Soon the women, standing by their husbands, began to call to their children, and the children came reluctantly, having to be called four or five times. Bobby Martin ducked under his mother’s grasping hand and ran, laughing, back to the pile of stones. His father spoke up sharply, and Bobby came quickly and took his place between his father and his oldest brother.

The lottery was conducted—as were the square dances, the teen-age club, the Halloween program—by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities. He was a round-faced, jovial man and he ran the coal business, and people were sorry for him, because he had no children and his wife was a scold. When he arrived in the square, carrying the black wooden box, there was a murmur of conversation among the villagers, and he waved and called, “Little late today, folks.” The postmaster, Mr. Graves, followed him, carrying a three-legged stool, and the stool was put in the center of the square and Mr. Summers set the black box down on it. The villagers kept their distance, leaving a space between themselves and the stool, and when Mr. Summers said, “Some of you fellows want to give me a hand?,” there was a hesitation before two men, Mr. Martin and his oldest son, Baxter, came forward to hold the box steady on the stool while Mr. Summers stirred up the papers inside it.

The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago, and the black box now resting on the stool had been put into use even before Old Man Warner, the oldest man in town, was born. Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box. There was a story that the present box had been made with some pieces of the box that had preceded it, the one that had been constructed when the first people settled down to make a village here. Every year, after the lottery, Mr. Summers began talking again about a new box, but every year the subject was allowed to fade off without anything’s being done. The black box grew shabbier each year; by now it was no longer completely black but splintered badly along one side to show the original wood color, and in some places faded or stained.

Mr. Martin and his oldest son, Baxter, held the black box securely on the stool until Mr. Summers had stirred the papers thoroughly with his hand. Because so much of the ritual had been forgotten or discarded, Mr. Summers had been successful in having slips of paper substituted for the chips of wood that had been used for generations. Chips of wood, Mr. Summers had argued, had been all very well when the village was tiny, but now that the population was more than three hundred and likely to keep on growing, it was necessary to use something that would fit more easily into the black box. The night before the lottery, Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves made up the slips of paper and put them into the box, and it was then taken to the safe of Mr. Summers’ coal company and locked up until Mr. Summers was ready to take it to the square next morning. The rest of the year, the box was put away, sometimes one place, sometimes another; it had spent one year in Mr. Graves’ barn and another year underfoot in the post office, and sometimes it was set on a shelf in the Martin grocery and left there.

There was a great deal of fussing to be done before Mr. Summers declared the lottery open. There were the lists to make up—of heads of families, heads of households in each family, members of each household in each family. There was the proper swearing-in of Mr. Summers by the postmaster, as the official of the lottery; at one time, some people remembered, there had been a recital of some sort, performed by the official of the lottery, a perfunctory, tuneless chant that had been rattled off duly each year; some people believed that the official of the lottery used to stand just so when he said or sang it, others believed that he was supposed to walk among the people, but years and years ago this part of the ritual had been allowed to lapse. There had been, also, a ritual salute, which the official of the lottery had had to use in addressing each person who came up to draw from the box, but this also had changed with time, until now it was felt necessary only for the official to speak to each person approaching. Mr. Summers was very good at all this; in his clean white shirt and blue jeans, with one hand resting carelessly on the black box, he seemed very proper and important as he talked interminably to Mr. Graves and the Martins.

Just as Mr. Summers finally left off talking and turned to the assembled villagers, Mrs. Hutchinson came hurriedly along the path to the square, her sweater thrown over her shoulders, and slid into place in the back of the crowd. “Clean forgot what day it was,” she said to Mrs. Delacroix, who stood next to her, and they both laughed softly. “Thought my old man was out back stacking wood,” Mrs. Hutchinson went on, “and then I looked out the window and the kids was gone, and then I remembered it was the twenty-seventh and came a-running.” She dried her hands on her apron, and Mrs. Delacroix said, “You’re in time, though. They’re still talking away up there.”

Mrs. Hutchinson craned her neck to see through the crowd and found her husband and children standing near the front. She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell and began to make her way through the crowd. The people separated good-humoredly to let her through; two or three people said, in voices just loud enough to be heard across the crowd, “Here comes your Mrs., Hutchinson,” and “Bill, she made it after all.” Mrs. Hutchinson reached her husband, and Mr. Summers, who had been waiting, said cheerfully, “Thought we were going to have to get on without you, Tessie.” Mrs. Hutchinson said, grinning, “Wouldn’t have me leave m’dishes in the sink, now, would you, Joe?,” and soft laughter ran through the crowd as the people stirred back into position after Mrs. Hutchinson’s arrival.

“Well, now,” Mr. Summers said soberly, “guess we better get started, get this over with, so’s we can go back to work. Anybody ain’t here?”

“Dunbar,” several people said. “Dunbar, Dunbar.”

Mr. Summers consulted his list. “Clyde Dunbar,” he said. “That’s right. He’s broke his leg, hasn’t he? Who’s drawing for him?”

“Me, I guess,” a woman said, and Mr. Summers turned to look at her. “Wife draws for her husband,” Mr. Summers said. “Don’t you have a grown boy to do it for you, Janey?” Although Mr. Summers and everyone else in the village knew the answer perfectly well, it was the business of the official of the lottery to ask such questions formally. Mr. Summers waited with an expression of polite interest while Mrs. Dunbar answered.

“Horace’s not but sixteen yet,” Mrs. Dunbar said regretfully. “Guess I gotta fill in for the old man this year.”

“Right,” Mr. Summers said. He made a note on the list he was holding. Then he asked, “Watson boy drawing this year?”

A tall boy in the crowd raised his hand. “Here,” he said. “I’m drawing for m’mother and me.” He blinked his eyes nervously and ducked his head as several voices in the crowd said things like “Good fellow, Jack,” and “Glad to see your mother’s got a man to do it.”

“Well,” Mr. Summers said, “guess that’s everyone. Old Man Warner make it?”

“Here,” a voice said, and Mr. Summers nodded.

A sudden hush fell on the crowd as Mr. Summers cleared his throat and looked at the list. “All ready?” he called. “Now, I’ll read the names—heads of families first—and the men come up and take a paper out of the box. Keep the paper folded in your hand without looking at it until everyone has had a turn. Everything clear?”

The people had done it so many times that they only half listened to the directions; most of them were quiet, wetting their lips, not looking around. Then Mr. Summers raised one hand high and said, “Adams.” A man disengaged himself from the crowd and came forward. “Hi, Steve,” Mr. Summers said, and Mr. Adams said, “Hi, Joe.” They grinned at one another humorlessly and nervously. Then Mr. Adams reached into the black box and took out a folded paper. He held it firmly by one corner as he turned and went hastily back to his place in the crowd, where he stood a little apart from his family, not looking down at his hand.

“Allen,” Mr. Summers said. “Anderson. . . . Bentham.”

“Seems like there’s no time at all between lotteries any more,” Mrs. Delacroix said to Mrs. Graves in the back row. “Seems like we got through with the last one only last week.”

“Time sure goes fast,” Mrs. Graves said.

“Clark. . . . Delacroix.”

“There goes my old man,” Mrs. Delacroix said. She held her breath while her husband went forward.

“Dunbar,” Mr. Summers said, and Mrs. Dunbar went steadily to the box while one of the women said, “Go on, Janey,” and another said, “There she goes.”

“We’re next,” Mrs. Graves said. She watched while Mr. Graves came around from the side of the box, greeted Mr. Summers gravely, and selected a slip of paper from the box. By now, all through the crowd there were men holding the small folded papers in their large hands, turning them over and over nervously. Mrs. Dunbar and her two sons stood together, Mrs. Dunbar holding the slip of paper.

“Harburt. . . . Hutchinson.”

“Get up there, Bill,” Mrs. Hutchinson said, and the people near her laughed.

“They do say,” Mr. Adams said to Old Man Warner, who stood next to him, “that over in the north village they’re talking of giving up the lottery.”

Old Man Warner snorted. “Pack of crazy fools,” he said. “Listening to the young folks, nothing’s good enough for them . Next thing you know, they’ll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more, live that way for a while. Used to be a saying about ‘Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.’ First thing you know, we’d all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns. There’s always been a lottery,” he added petulantly. “Bad enough to see young Joe Summers up there joking with everybody.”

“Some places have already quit lotteries,” Mrs. Adams said.

“Nothing but trouble in that ,” Old Man Warner said stoutly. “Pack of young fools.”

“Martin.” And Bobby Martin watched his father go forward. “Overdyke. . . . Percy.”

“I wish they’d hurry,” Mrs. Dunbar said to her older son. “I wish they’d hurry.”

“They’re almost through,” her son said.

“You get ready to run tell Dad,” Mrs. Dunbar said.

Mr. Summers called his own name and then stepped forward precisely and selected a slip from the box. Then he called, “Warner.”

“Seventy-seventh year I been in the lottery,” Old Man Warner said as he went through the crowd. “Seventy-seventh time.”

“Watson.” The tall boy came awkwardly through the crowd. Someone said, “Don’t be nervous, Jack,” and Mr. Summers said, “Take your time, son.”

After that, there was a long pause, a breathless pause, until Mr. Summers, holding his slip of paper in the air, said, “All right, fellows.” For a minute, no one moved, and then all the slips of paper were opened. Suddenly, all the women began to speak at once, saying, “Who is it?,” “Who’s got it?,” “Is it the Dunbars?,” “Is it the Watsons?” Then the voices began to say, “It’s Hutchinson. It’s Bill,” “Bill Hutchinson’s got it.”

“Go tell your father,” Mrs. Dunbar said to her older son.

People began to look around to see the Hutchinsons. Bill Hutchinson was standing quiet, staring down at the paper in his hand. Suddenly, Tessie Hutchinson shouted to Mr. Summers, “You didn’t give him time enough to take any paper he wanted. I saw you. It wasn’t fair!”

“Be a good sport, Tessie,” Mrs. Delacroix called, and Mrs. Graves said, “All of us took the same chance.”

“Shut up, Tessie,” Bill Hutchinson said.

“Well, everyone,” Mr. Summers said, “that was done pretty fast, and now we’ve got to be hurrying a little more to get done in time.” He consulted his next list. “Bill,” he said, “you draw for the Hutchinson family. You got any other households in the Hutchinsons?”

“There’s Don and Eva,” Mrs. Hutchinson yelled. “Make them take their chance!”

“Daughters draw with their husbands’ families, Tessie,” Mr. Summers said gently. “You know that as well as anyone else.”

“It wasn’t fair ,” Tessie said.

“I guess not, Joe,” Bill Hutchinson said regretfully. “My daughter draws with her husband’s family, that’s only fair. And I’ve got no other family except the kids.”

“Then, as far as drawing for families is concerned, it’s you,” Mr. Summers said in explanation, “and as far as drawing for households is concerned, that’s you, too. Right?”

“Right,” Bill Hutchinson said.

“How many kids, Bill?” Mr. Summers asked formally.

“Three,” Bill Hutchinson said. “There’s Bill, Jr., and Nancy, and little Dave. And Tessie and me.”

“All right, then,” Mr. Summers said. “Harry, you got their tickets back?”

Mr. Graves nodded and held up the slips of paper. “Put them in the box, then,” Mr. Summers directed. “Take Bill’s and put it in.”

“I think we ought to start over,” Mrs. Hutchinson said, as quietly as she could. “I tell you it wasn’t fair . You didn’t give him time enough to choose. Every body saw that.”

Mr. Graves had selected the five slips and put them in the box, and he dropped all the papers but those onto the ground, where the breeze caught them and lifted them off.

“Listen, everybody,” Mrs. Hutchinson was saying to the people around her.

“Ready, Bill?” Mr. Summers asked, and Bill Hutchinson, with one quick glance around at his wife and children, nodded.

“Remember,” Mr. Summers said, “take the slips and keep them folded until each person has taken one. Harry, you help little Dave.” Mr. Graves took the hand of the little boy, who came willingly with him up to the box. “Take a paper out of the box, Davy,” Mr. Summers said. Davy put his hand into the box and laughed. “Take just one paper,” Mr. Summers said. “Harry, you hold it for him.” Mr. Graves took the child’s hand and removed the folded paper from the tight fist and held it while little Dave stood next to him and looked up at him wonderingly.

“Nancy next,” Mr. Summers said. Nancy was twelve, and her school friends breathed heavily as she went forward, switching her skirt, and took a slip daintily from the box. “Bill, Jr.,” Mr. Summers said, and Billy, his face red and his feet overlarge, nearly knocked the box over as he got a paper out. “Tessie,” Mr. Summers said. She hesitated for a minute, looking around defiantly, and then set her lips and went up to the box. She snatched a paper out and held it behind her.

“Bill,” Mr. Summers said, and Bill Hutchinson reached into the box and felt around, bringing his hand out at last with the slip of paper in it.

The crowd was quiet. A girl whispered, “I hope it’s not Nancy,” and the sound of the whisper reached the edges of the crowd.

“It’s not the way it used to be,” Old Man Warner said clearly. “People ain’t the way they used to be.”

“All right,” Mr. Summers said. “Open the papers. Harry, you open little Dave’s.”

Mr. Graves opened the slip of paper and there was a general sigh through the crowd as he held it up and everyone could see that it was blank. Nancy and Bill, Jr., opened theirs at the same time, and both beamed and laughed, turning around to the crowd and holding their slips of paper above their heads.

“Tessie,” Mr. Summers said. There was a pause, and then Mr. Summers looked at Bill Hutchinson, and Bill unfolded his paper and showed it. It was blank.

“It’s Tessie,” Mr. Summers said, and his voice was hushed. “Show us her paper, Bill.”

Bill Hutchinson went over to his wife and forced the slip of paper out of her hand. It had a black spot on it, the black spot Mr. Summers had made the night before with the heavy pencil in the coal-company office. Bill Hutchinson held it up, and there was a stir in the crowd.

“All right, folks,” Mr. Summers said. “Let’s finish quickly.”

Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones. The pile of stones the boys had made earlier was ready; there were stones on the ground with the blowing scraps of paper that had come out of the box. Mrs. Delacroix selected a stone so large she had to pick it up with both hands and turned to Mrs. Dunbar. “Come on,” she said. “Hurry up.”

Mrs. Dunbar had small stones in both hands, and she said, gasping for breath. “I can’t run at all. You’ll have to go ahead and I’ll catch up with you.”

The children had stones already, and someone gave little Davy Hutchinson a few pebbles.

Tessie Hutchinson was in the center of a cleared space by now, and she held her hands out desperately as the villagers moved in on her. “It isn’t fair,” she said. A stone hit her on the side of the head.

Old Man Warner was saying, “Come on, come on, everyone.” Steve Adams was in the front of the crowd of villagers, with Mrs. Graves beside him.

“It isn’t fair, it isn’t right,” Mrs. Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her. ♦

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By Thomas Korsgaard

Theme of Death in The Lottery

• Categories: The Lottery

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

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Water for Peace: official celebration of World Water Day 2024

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Under the theme “Water for Peace”, this campaign, led jointly by UNESCO and UNECE on behalf of UN-Water , showcases water's pivotal role in fostering peace, prosperity, and conflict prevention. 

Join us at UNESCO Headquarters for the official World Water Day 2024 celebration. This pivotal event promises a rich one-day programme filled with insights from distinguished speakers, including heads of UN agencies and high-level officials, alongside technical presentations that draw on field experiences. The day will also be enlivened by artistic and cultural activities that echo the theme. A highlight of the celebration will be the unveiling of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2024. 

Programme highlights

• High level Opening Ceremony  
• Launch of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2024  
• Technical Discussions on Water Cooperation and Peacebuilding 
• Cultural shows and indoor photo exhibition (Walk of Water) 

Provisional event programme: English | Français

UN World Water Development Report 2024

The UN World Water Development Report (WWDR) is published by UNESCO, on behalf of UN-Water and its production is coordinated by the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme. Since its first edition in 2003, the series provide policy and decision-makers with factual evidence and tools to stimulate ideas and actions. This comprehensive report, funded by the Italian Government, also provides an authoritative overview of global water trends, challenges, and solutions. The 2024 Report, entitled "Water for Prosperity and Peace", underlines the interlinked complex relationships between water, prosperity and peace, describing how progress in one dimension can have positive repercussions on the others. 

Ensure your participation in the dialogue on sustainable water management and peace by exploring the findings and recommendations of the UN WWDR 2024. 

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We welcome the participation of members of governments, international organizations, NGOs, academia, the private sector, and all stakeholders interested in the sustainable management of water resources and the promotion of peace; in-person or by watching live . Registration is mandatory to participate in-person. 

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The Philippines economy in 2024: Stronger for longer?

The Philippines ended 2023 on a high note, being the fastest growing economy across Southeast Asia with a growth rate of 5.6 percent—just shy of the government's target of 6.0 to 7.0 percent. 1 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024; "Philippine economic updates,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, November 16, 2023. Should projections hold, the Philippines is expected to, once again, show significant growth in 2024, demonstrating its resilience despite various global economic pressures (Exhibit 1). 2 “Economic forecast 2024,” International Monetary Fund, November 1, 2023; McKinsey analysis.

The growth in the Philippine economy in 2023 was driven by a resumption in commercial activities, public infrastructure spending, and growth in digital financial services. Most sectors grew, with transportation and storage (13 percent), construction (9 percent), and financial services (9 percent), performing the best (Exhibit 2). 3 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024. While the country's trade deficit narrowed in 2023, it remains elevated at $52 billion due to slowing global demand and geopolitical uncertainties. 4 “Highlights of the Philippine export and import statistics,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 28, 2024. Looking ahead to 2024, the current economic forecast for the Philippines projects a GDP growth of between 5 and 6 percent.

Inflation rates are expected to temper between 3.2 and 3.6 percent in 2024 after ending 2023 at 6.0 percent, above the 2.0 to 4.0 percent target range set by the government. 5 “Nomura downgrades Philippine 2024 growth forecast,” Nomura, September 11, 2023; “IMF raises Philippine growth rate forecast,” International Monetary Fund, July 16, 2023.

For the purposes of this article, most of the statistics used for our analysis have come from a common thread of sources. These include the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas); the Department of Energy Philippines; the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP); and the Philippines Statistics Authority.

The state of the Philippine economy across seven major sectors and themes

In the article, we explore the 2024 outlook for seven key sectors and themes, what may affect each of them in the coming year, and what could potentially unlock continued growth.

Financial services

The recovery of the financial services sector appears on track as year-on-year growth rates stabilize. 6 Philippines Statistics Authority, November 2023; McKinsey in partnership with Oxford Economics, November 2023. In 2024, this sector will likely continue to grow, though at a slower pace of about 5 percent.

Financial inclusion and digitalization are contributing to growth in this sector in 2024, even if new challenges emerge. Various factors are expected to impact this sector:

• Inclusive finance: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas continues to invest in financial inclusion initiatives. For example, basic deposit accounts (BDAs) reached $22 million in 2023 and banking penetration improved, with the proportion of adults with formal bank accounts increasing from 29 percent in 2019 to 56 percent in 2021. 7 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024.
• Digital adoption: Digital channels are expected to continue to grow, with data showing that 60 percent of adults who have a mobile phone and internet access have done a digital financial transaction. 8 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024. Businesses in this sector, however, will need to remain vigilant in navigating cybersecurity and fraud risks.
• Unsecured lending growth: Growth in unsecured lending is expected to continue, but at a slower pace than the past two to three years. For example, unsecured retail lending for the banking system alone grew by 27 percent annually from 2020 to 2022. 9 “Loan accounts: As of first quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024; "Global banking pools,” McKinsey, November 2023. Businesses in this field are, however, expected to recalibrate their risk profiling models as segments with high nonperforming loans emerge.
• High interest rates: Key interest rates are expected to decline in the second half of 2024, creating more accommodating borrowing conditions that could boost wholesale and corporate loans.

Supportive frameworks have a pivotal role to play in unlocking growth in this sector to meet the ever-increasing demand from the financially underserved. For example, financial literacy programs and easier-to-access accounts—such as BDAs—are some measures that can help widen market access to financial services. Continued efforts are being made to build an open finance framework that could serve the needs of the unbanked population, as well as a unified credit scoring mechanism to increase the ability of historically under-financed segments, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access formal credit. 10 “BSP launches credit scoring model,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, April 26, 2023.

Energy and Power

The outlook for the energy sector seems positive, with the potential to grow by 7 percent in 2024 as the country focuses on renewable energy generation. 11 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts. Currently, stakeholders are focused on increasing energy security, particularly on importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet power plants’ requirements as production in one of the country’s main sources of natural gas, the Malampaya gas field, declines. 12 Myrna M. Velasco, “Malampaya gas field prod’n declines steeply in 2021,” Manila Bulletin , July 9, 2022. High global inflation and the fact that the Philippines is a net fuel importer are impacting electricity prices and the build-out of planned renewable energy projects. Recent regulatory moves to remove foreign ownership limits on exploration, development, and utilization of renewable energy resources could possibly accelerate growth in the country’s energy and power sector. 13 “RA 11659,” Department of Energy Philippines, June 8, 2023.

Gas, renewables, and transmission are potential growth drivers for the sector. Upgrading power grids so that they become more flexible and better able to cope with the intermittent electricity supply that comes with renewables will be critical as the sector pivots toward renewable energy. A recent coal moratorium may position natural gas as a transition fuel—this could stimulate exploration and production investments for new, indigenous natural gas fields, gas pipeline infrastructure, and LNG import terminal projects. 14 Philippine energy plan 2020–2040, Department of Energy Philippines, June 10, 2022; Power development plan 2020–2040 , Department of Energy Philippines, 2021. The increasing momentum of green energy auctions could facilitate the development of renewables at scale, as the country targets 35 percent share of renewables by 2030. 15 Power development plan 2020–2040 , 2022.

Growth in the healthcare industry may slow to 2.8 percent in 2024, while pharmaceuticals manufacturing is expected to rebound with 5.2 percent growth in 2024. 16 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Healthcare demand could grow, although the quality of care may be strained as the health worker shortage is projected to increase over the next five years. 17 McKinsey analysis. The supply-and-demand gap in nursing alone is forecast to reach a shortage of approximately 90,000 nurses by 2028. 18 McKinsey analysis. Another compounding factor straining healthcare is the higher than anticipated benefit utilization and rising healthcare costs, which, while helping to meet people's healthcare budgets, may continue to drive down profitability for health insurers.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are feeling varying effects of people becoming increasingly health conscious. Consumers are using more over the counter (OTC) medication and placing more beneficial value on organic health products, such as vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients, which could impact demand for prescription drugs. 19 “Consumer health in the Philippines 2023,” Euromonitor, October 2023.

Businesses operating in this field may end up benefiting from universal healthcare policies. If initiatives are implemented that integrate healthcare systems, rationalize copayments, attract and retain talent, and incentivize investments, they could potentially help to strengthen healthcare provision and quality.

Businesses may also need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of diverse health needs, digitization, and price controls. Digital and data transformations are being seen to facilitate improvements in healthcare delivery and access, with leading digital health apps getting more than one million downloads. 20 Google Play Store, September 27, 2023. Digitization may create an opportunity to develop healthcare ecosystems that unify touchpoints along the patient journey and provide offline-to-online care, as well as potentially realizing cost efficiencies.

Consumer and retail

Growth in the retail and wholesale trade and consumer goods sectors is projected to remain stable in 2024, at 4 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

Inflation, however, continues to put consumers under pressure. While inflation rates may fall—predicted to reach 4 percent in 2024—commodity prices may still remain elevated in the near term, a top concern for Filipinos. 21 “IMF raises Philippine growth forecast,” July 26, 2023; “Nomura downgrades Philippines 2024 growth forecast,” September 11, 2023. In response to challenging economic conditions, 92 percent of consumers have changed their shopping behaviors, and approximately 50 percent indicate that they are switching brands or retail providers in seek of promotions and better prices. 22 “Philippines consumer pulse survey, 2023,” McKinsey, November 2023.

Online shopping has become entrenched in Filipino consumers, as they find that they get access to a wider range of products, can compare prices more easily, and can shop with more convenience. For example, a McKinsey Philippines consumer sentiment survey in 2023 found that 80 percent of respondents, on average, use online and omnichannel to purchase footwear, toys, baby supplies, apparel, and accessories. To capture the opportunity that this shift in Filipino consumer preferences brings and to unlock growth in this sector, retail organizations could turn to omnichannel strategies to seamlessly integrate online and offline channels. Businesses may need to explore investments that increase resilience across the supply chain, alongside researching and developing new products that serve emerging consumer preferences, such as that for natural ingredients and sustainable sources.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a key contributor to the Philippine economy, contributing approximately 19 percent of GDP in 2022, employing about 7 percent of the country’s labor force, and growing in line with GDP at approximately 6 percent between 2023 and 2024. 23 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

Some changes could be seen in 2024 that might affect the sector moving forward. The focus toward building resilient supply chains and increasing self-sufficiency is growing. The Philippines also is likely to benefit from increasing regional trade, as well as the emerging trend of nearshoring or onshoring as countries seek to make their supply chains more resilient. With semiconductors driving approximately 45 percent of Philippine exports, the transfer of knowledge and technology, as well as the development of STEM capabilities, could help attract investments into the sector and increase the relevance of the country as a manufacturing hub. 24 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

To secure growth, public and private sector support could bolster investments in R&D and upskill the labor force. In addition, strategies to attract investment may be integral to the further development of supply chain infrastructure and manufacturing bases. Government programs to enable digital transformation and R&D, along with a strategic approach to upskilling the labor force, could help boost industry innovation in line with Industry 4.0 demand. 25 Industry 4.0 is also referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Priority products to which manufacturing industries could pivot include more complex, higher value chain electronic components in the semiconductor segment; generic OTC drugs and nature-based pharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical sector; and, for green industries, products such as EVs, batteries, solar panels, and biomass production.

Information technology business process outsourcing

The information technology business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector is on track to reach its long-term targets, with $38 billion in forecast revenues in 2024. 26 Khriscielle Yalao, “WHF flexibility key to achieving growth targets—IBPAP,” Manila Bulletin , January 23, 2024. Emerging innovations in service delivery and work models are being observed, which could drive further growth in the sector.

The industry continues to outperform headcount and revenue targets, shaping its position as a country leader for employment and services. 27 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. Demand from global companies for offshoring is expected to increase, due to cost containment strategies and preference for Philippine IT-BPO providers. New work setups continue to emerge, ranging from remote-first to office-first, which could translate to potential net benefits. These include a 10 to 30 percent increase in employee retention; a three- to four-hour reduction in commute times; an increase in enabled talent of 350,000; and a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 1.4 to 1.5 million tons of CO 2 per year. 28 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. It is becoming increasingly more important that the IT-BPO sector adapts to new technologies as businesses begin to harness automation and generative AI (gen AI) to unlock productivity.

Talent and technology are clear areas where growth in this sector can be unlocked. The growing complexity of offshoring requirements necessitates building a proper talent hub to help bridge employee gaps and better match local talent to employers’ needs. Businesses in the industry could explore developing facilities and digital infrastructure to enable industry expansion outside the metros, especially in future “digital cities” nationwide. Introducing new service areas could capture latent demand from existing clients with evolving needs as well as unserved clients. BPO centers could explore the potential of offering higher-value services by cultivating technology-focused capabilities, such as using gen AI to unlock revenue, deliver sales excellence, and reduce general administrative costs.

Sustainability

The Philippines is considered to be the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change in the world as, due to its geographic location, the country has a higher risk of exposure to natural disasters, such as rising sea levels. 29 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021. Approximately $3.2 billion, on average, in economic loss could occur annually because of natural disasters over the next five decades, translating to up to 7 to 8 percent of the country’s nominal GDP. 30 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021.

The Philippines could capitalize on five green growth opportunities to operate in global value chains and catalyze growth for the nation:

• Renewable energy: The country could aim to generate 50 percent of its energy from renewables by 2040, building on its high renewable energy potential and the declining cost of producing renewable energy.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing: More than a twofold increase in annual output from 2023 to 2030 could be achieved, enabled by lower production costs.
• Battery production: The Philippines could aim for a $1.5 billion domestic market by 2030, capitalizing on its vast nickel reserves (the second largest globally). 31 “MineSpans,” McKinsey, November 2023.
• Electric mobility: Electric vehicles could account for 15 percent of the country’s vehicle sales by 2030 (from less than 1 percent currently), driven by incentives, local distribution, and charging infrastructure. 32 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.
• Nature-based solutions: The country’s largely untapped total abatement potential could reach up to 200 to 300 metric tons of CO 2 , enabled by its biodiversity and strong demand.

The Philippine economy: Three scenarios for growth

Having grown faster than other economies in Southeast Asia in 2023 to end the year with 5.6 percent growth, the Philippines can expect a similarly healthy growth outlook for 2024. Based on our analysis, there are three potential scenarios for the country’s growth. 33 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Slower growth: The first scenario projects GDP growth of 4.8 percent if there are challenging conditions—such as declining trade and accelerated inflation—which could keep key policy rates high at about 6.5 percent and dampen private consumption, leading to slower long-term growth.

Soft landing: The second scenario projects GDP growth of 5.2 percent if inflation moderates and global conditions turn out to be largely favorable due to a stable investment environment and regional trade demand.

Accelerated growth: In the third scenario, GDP growth is projected to reach 6.1 percent if inflation slows and public policies accommodate aspects such as loosening key policy rates and offering incentive programs to boost productivity.

Focusing on factors that could unlock growth in its seven critical sectors and themes, while adapting to the macro-economic scenario that plays out, would allow the Philippines to materialize its growth potential in 2024 and take steps towards achieving longer-term, sustainable economic growth.

Jon Canto is a partner in McKinsey’s Manila office, where Frauke Renz is an associate partner, and Vicah Villanueva is a consultant.

The authors wish to thank Charlene Chua, Charlie del Rosario, Ryan delos Reyes, Debadrita Dhara, Evelyn C. Fong, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Frances Lee, Aaron Ong, and Liane Tan for their contributions to this article.

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