This story was published in 1948, after World War II. What other cultural or historical events, attitudes or rituals might Jackson be making fun of?

The most important ritual being made fun of here is the very old idea that there should be some kind of sacrifice made to ensure a good harvest. "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon," says Old Man Warner. Also, there is the whole question of whether or not traditions should be continued even when they seem hostile, violent, or ridiculous.

The most important ritual being made fun of here is the very old idea that there should be some kind of sacrifice made to ensure a good harvest. "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon," says Old Man Warner. Also, there is the whole question of whether or not traditions should be continued even when they seem hostile, violent, or ridiculous.

Jackson is creating awareness of the foolishness of standing idly by. During the war people did as the authorizes requested under Hitler's Nazi regime. Citizens just watched as their neighbors were taken away and killed. The similarity here is that in The Lottery neighbors did nothing to prevent the senseless death of their neighbors. As long as they were not the victims, the problem was someone else's. In Nazi Germany the victims were the Romans, Gypsies and Jews while in The Lottery the victim was Tess Hutchinson. People die when we do not challenge and rise up against an immoral authority.