The idea of distributing something—money, prizes, property, or even jobs—among a group of people by drawing lots has a long record in human history. In fact, a form of the lottery is a common feature in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, while the distribution of goods or services by lot is also evident in Roman legend and even biblical scripture. The modern concept of a public lottery is more recent, although many state governments have embraced it in the post-World War II period. While lottery critics have argued that it is inherently regressive, proponents have often pointed to its popularity as proof that people love to gamble.
A lottery is a game in which participants pay a small sum to have a chance to win a prize. The prizes are often cash or merchandise, but may be anything from subsidized housing units to kindergarten placements at a prestigious school. The game is played by buying tickets from a government-approved vendor, marking numbers on a playslip (or, in some cases, simply accepting the computer’s random selection of numbers), and then waiting to see whether one’s numbers match those drawn at random.
In the past, lotteries have been used to finance a variety of government projects. These included the building of the British Museum, repairs to bridges, and supplying a battery of guns for the defense of Philadelphia. However, the practice of using lotteries to distribute money or other items has long been controversial. For example, the distribution of wealth by lot is condemned in several religious texts, including the Bible and the Qur’an. It is also considered to be immoral and corrupt by those who oppose it.
Most states organize their own lotteries rather than contract with private promoters. They set up a public corporation or agency to run the lottery; begin operations with a limited number of relatively simple games; and, due to constant pressure for additional revenues, gradually expand the offerings. Lottery critics contend that these incremental changes create a situation in which the public is forced to play more and more, while the benefits of winning are eroded.
The story in Shirley Jackson’s Lottery shows how the lottery can be abused and how people may lose their sense of values as they become increasingly dependent on the games. It also points out that society should be able to stand up against authority when it is not right. The story also demonstrates that people should not be afraid to leave their comfort zones in order to achieve greater things. For instance, Tessie Hutchinson should have left the comfortable life in Vermont when she saw that her neighbors viewed her as less important than themselves. If she had, she might have received the coveted job that eventually comes her way. She also might have been able to avoid the stoning that awaited her.