Blog #5

I think Shirley Jackson wrote the story “The Lottery” to explore the idea that people are afraid of change and afraid of the consequences that might occur. I also think that she wrote this to get people to think about the culture we live in and our morals. I think this story teaches us that just because something has always been done does not mean it is just. The character, Old Man Warner is an example of this because he always states his disrespect towards young adults who oppose the tradition in neighboring villages. I think he is against the change because he has witnessed the lottery for 77 years and is against accepting the idea without the lottery. I thought the character Tessie represented the youth of society and Old Man Warner as someone who represents our elders. Tessie did not take the lottery very seriously. She didn’t believe that it was important to follow the ritual of it all because she wasn’t there when it started.