Symbolism is a literary device that uses objects, actions, or ideas to represent something beyond their literal meaning. In "The Lottery," Jackson uses several symbols to convey the story's themes. One of the most important symbols is the black box. The black box is the container that holds the slips of paper with the villagers' names on them. The box is old and worn, and it has been used for generations. It is a symbol of the villagers' blind adherence to
tradition, as they continue to use the same box year after year, even though it is falling apart. The black box also represents the villagers' fear of change. They are afraid to replace the box, even though it is in poor condition, because they believe that changing it might bring bad luck.
Another important symbol in "The Lottery" is the stones. The stones represent the villagers' willingness to take part in the lottery and to kill one of their own. The stones are gathered by the villagers before the lottery, and they are used to stone the person who is selected. The stones symbolize the villagers' collective guilt and responsibility for the murder. They also represent the power of the mob, as the villagers act as a group to carry out the killing.
The third important symbol in "The Lottery" is the idea of sacrifice. The lottery is a sacrifice of one person for the supposed benefit of the entire
community. The person who is selected is sacrificed to ensure a good harvest and to maintain the village's traditions. The idea of sacrifice is a powerful symbol, as it represents the villagers' willingness to give up one of their own for the greater good. However, the story also suggests that this sacrifice is senseless and cruel, as there is no evidence that it actually improves the community's fortunes.
Another important symbol in "The Lottery" is the use of names. The villagers' names are written on slips of paper and placed in the black box. The names symbolize the villagers' individuality and humanity. However, when the lottery is held, the individual names are replaced by the group identity of "the Hutchinsons." This symbolizes the way in which the villagers are willing to sacrifice one person for the sake of the community. The person who is selected becomes a representative of the community's faults and weaknesses, and their individuality is erased.
The final important symbol in "The Lottery" is the idea of tradition. The lottery is held every year, and it is seen as an important tradition in the village. However, the story suggests that this tradition is dangerous and harmful. The villagers blindly follow the tradition without questioning its purpose or its morality. The story suggests that tradition can be a powerful force, but it can also be dangerous if it is not examined critically.
In addition to the use of symbols, "The Lottery" is also filled with powerful imagery. Jackson's descriptions of the setting and the characters create a vivid picture of the village and its inhabitants. For example, she describes the "clear and sunny" day on which the lottery is held, which creates a sense of irony and contrast with the violent events that unfold. She also describes the characters in detail
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