Lottery is a form of gambling where a prize, such as a cash sum or goods, are randomly allocated to individuals or groups. In modern times, lottery has evolved to include multiple draws and a variety of prizes. It is a popular and legal form of raising funds for public or private projects. Its popularity and legitimacy have also drawn the attention of critics who point to its negative effects on compulsive gamblers and its alleged regressive impact on lower-income groups.
The story begins with a bucolic, small-town setting and a gathering of villagers in the town square for their annual lottery. Children, who were recently on summer break from school, are the first to assemble, followed by women and finally adult men. The villagers exhibit the stereotypical normalcy of small-town life, warmly gossiping and discussing work. A black wooden box is brought out by Mr. Summers, who represents authority in the village. The villagers select from a pile of stones prepared earlier by the children and even little Dave Hutchinson is supplied with a stone to participate in the lottery. Once Tessie has been selected, the villagers begin to hurl the stones at her.
Throughout history, people have been drawn to the possibility of winning a large sum of money through the use of chance. In fact, the word “lottery” derives from the Dutch term lot (“fate”) and French word loterie (drawing lots). The practice of determining ownership of property by drawing names for a prize has been in existence for thousands of years. The Bible instructs Moses to distribute land by lot, and Roman emperors used lotteries as a way to give away slaves and other valuables. In colonial-era America, lotteries were important in financing the building of roads and buildings, including Harvard and Yale Universities.
Although many critics of the lottery claim that it is a form of slavery and exploitation, there are some who argue that it has its positive aspects as well. For example, it provides an opportunity for poorer people to obtain wealth in a relatively quick and easy manner, which is often hard to do otherwise. However, it is important to remember that the odds of winning are very slim. It is important to remember that money does not solve all problems, as exemplified by the Bible commandment to not covet one’s neighbors house, wife, or servants (Exodus 20:17).
The story of the lottery also highlights how society can become divided by its traditions and rituals. The lottery illustrates how families can be turned into scapegoats when a member of the group is perceived as a threat to the community’s traditional values. It also shows how a lack of emotional connection and loyalty in family relationships can lead to violence. In the end, it appears that the members of the Hutchinson family did not care that their daughter was about to be stoned to death, and this suggests that families are not always an effective vehicle for promoting social unity.