The Lottery and Other Stories

the lottery

Take a close look at jackson's description of the black wooden box (paragraph 5) and of the black spot on the fatal slip of paper (paragraph 72). What do these objects suggest to you? Are there any other symbols in the story?

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There is much symbolism in the story. The box used to symbolize part of an ornate tradition that was linked to the lottery. Its shabby condition tells us that the meanings and cultural importance of the lottery has died away. The paper used to be ornate but now they are scraps. The only part of the once elaborate festivities that remains is the lottery and subsequent murder of the victim.

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