Examples Of Human Nature In The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

Human nature is what defines the way that people behave and think. In her story "The Lottery", Shirley Jackson describes the different ways people react to the probability of getting killed. In the town presented, people have a tradition called The Lottery in which a human sacrifice is made every year, and it is associated with good agriculture and nature; however, the ritual is so old there's no way of actually knowing why or how it started. They decide who the victim will be by a paper draw between all of the people in town and at the end whoever gets the slip with the black dot, is stoned to death. The unlucky winner is Tessie Hutchinson and other members of the town like Mr. Summer; who conducts it, and Old man Warner; who is a loyal follower of the ritual are involved. The short story reflects on various forms of human nature and how it develops depending on what perspective of the story the individual characters are in.
The towners' dread of change permitted murder to be a part of their society. Old Man Warner is the oldest man in town and is very persistent when it comes to obeying The Lottery and making sure that it always stays the same. This is his 77th lottery, which means that he has survived the destiny of the

Tessie Hutchinson is the unfortunate person who gets the black dot that seals her death. Though for her it is impossible to believe that is actually happening, so as most people would do, she begins looking for excuses. Tessie claims to Mr. Summer: "You didn't give him time enough to take any paper he wanted. I saw you. It wasn't fair!". This statement shows how it is so hard for people to accept a truth they don't desire. On the other hand, the rest of the town is quick to shut down her excuses; For example, when Mrs. Delacroix says: "Be a good sport, Tessie". Which is easy for them to say since they're not the ones being stoned to