A lottery is a form of gambling in which winners are selected by chance. Prizes may be cash, goods, or services. Lotteries are often organized by state governments and regulated by law. The United States has numerous state-run lotteries, including those that award units in a subsidized housing program and kindergarten placements at reputable schools. These lotteries also dish out large sums of money to paying participants. Generally, lottery costs and profits go toward organizing and promoting the event and paying out prizes.
In the short story titled The Lottery, Shirley Jackson tells us of an annual town tradition. At first the villagers seem excited but as the event draws near they become anxious. The story revolves around a woman named Tessie Hutchinson, who is one of the candidates for the upcoming stoning ritual.
The story is a real reflection of how people mistreat each other. Despite the fact that people know the consequences of their actions, they still behave in such an evil manner. The story demonstrates that people are so blinded by the beliefs and traditions they live by, that they tend to overlook their negative impacts.
The family theme is also evident in the story. The family members do not show any loyalty towards Tessie and they are only concerned about their own survival. This reveals the lack of emotional bonding in the villagers and shows how they are more willing to sacrifice themselves than stand up for the wrongs of others.