A lottery is a game wherein people buy tickets and then hope to win prizes in return. Prizes range from a single item to huge sums of money. Although it is a form of gambling, many people still consider it to be a legitimate means of raising money. Some governments even use the lottery to raise revenue. However, despite its popularity, it has been criticized for being addictive and can have a negative impact on the lives of those who participate in it.
In the United States, lottery sales reached $100 billion in 2021. The state governments promote it as a way to boost state budgets without increasing taxes. While the money generated by lotteries may be important, it is not necessarily enough to maintain services. In fact, it is possible for winners to lose more than they gain. There are also several cases where winning the lottery has had a detrimental effect on people’s lives.
This short story is set in a small village where the locals participate in a ritual known as the lottery. It is an annual event that takes place on June 27. It is based on an old proverb that says “Lottery in June, corn will be heavy soon.”
The locals gather outside the town hall to participate in the lottery. They are excited but nervous. The children pile up stones for the drawing and adults recite an old saying that if a woman wins the lottery, she will have a good harvest. The participants are divided into groups and draw slips. Tessie, a young wife, draws a slip with her name on it. She screams in protest of the injustice. The townspeople start throwing stones at her.
This story portrays the evil nature of humans and hypocrisy. The locals have a routine of treating each other badly, but they do not question their actions. They seem to condone such behavior owing to cultural beliefs and practices. Besides, the story depicts humankind’s weak nature. It is a shame that people mistreat each other with little regard to the effects on the community and themselves. The story also reveals how people deceive themselves to make money. The story also points to the need for a scapegoat and that the lottery is a good way to get one.