The organization that runs the lottery in “The Lottery” is not explicitly mentioned in the story. However, it can be inferred that the lottery is run and conducted by the local community members themselves, as they all participate in the process.
In Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery,” the specific organization responsible for running the lottery is not explicitly mentioned. However, it can be inferred that the lottery is conducted and overseen by the local community members themselves, as they all actively participate in the ritual. The absence of an external governing body or authority emphasizes the unsettling nature of the story and serves as a commentary on the dangers of blindly following tradition.
The community members in “The Lottery” gather in the town square to conduct the lottery. Jackson describes, “The lottery was conducted… by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities.” This implies that Mr. Summers, as a prominent member of the community, takes charge of overseeing the proceedings. However, the lottery itself is ultimately carried out by different individuals within the community.
Adding depth to the discussion, Albert Einstein once said, “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” This quote resonates with the theme of personal responsibility within “The Lottery.” The townspeople, despite the horrific nature of the tradition, continue to participate and perpetuate its existence.
To shed further light on the topic, here are some interesting facts:
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“The Lottery” was first published in The New Yorker magazine in 1948 and caused significant controversy due to its shocking nature.
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Shirley Jackson brilliantly explores themes of tradition, conformity, and the darker aspects of human nature through the story.
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The story’s ambiguous setting and lack of specific details contribute to its allegorical nature, allowing it to resonate across different time periods and societies.
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Many scholars have interpreted “The Lottery” as a critique of blind obedience and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unquestioningly following traditions and customs.
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Jackson’s story continues to be studied in literature classes and has become a classic work of American short fiction.
Although the specific organizational structure behind the lottery in “The Lottery” remains undisclosed, its absence highlights the community’s collective responsibility in perpetuating a disturbing tradition. The story presents a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of conformity and the power of tradition, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking and questioning societal norms.
Table:
| Facts about “The Lottery” |
|---|
| Published in 1948 |
| Controversial |
| Explores themes of tradition and conformity |
| Allegorical nature |
| Critique of blind obedience |
| Studied in literature classes |
| Considered a classic work of American short fiction |
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In the United States, lotteries are run by 48 jurisdictions: 45 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lotteries are subject to the laws of and operated independently by each jurisdiction, and there is no national lottery organization.
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The mathematician provides strategies to increase chances of winning the lottery such as picking unpopular numbers and playing sequential numbers, but admits that there is no scientific strategy. He suggests looking out for low ticket sales and significant jackpots, avoiding scratcher lottery tickets, and betting on a four-digit number with repeated digits using a six-way box. He also details how professional lottery players won almost eight million dollars. While these strategies may improve chances slightly, winning the lottery remains extremely difficult, and the odds remain very slim.