A lottery is a game of chance in which numbers are drawn to determine the winners. The prize money can range from small cash prizes to large sums of money or goods. Some lotteries are governed by government while others are privately run. In either case, the winnings must be paid in a lump sum and may be taxed. The history of lotteries dates back to ancient times. There is a biblical reference to the distribution of property by lot in Numbers 26:55-57, and the ancient Romans used the lottery for giving away slaves during Saturnalian feasts. Modern lotteries are often conducted for public benefit and are a form of gambling. The term “lottery” has also been applied to military conscription, commercial promotions in which properties are given away by a random procedure, and the selection of jury members from lists of registered voters.
In colonial America, a state-sponsored lottery was used to fund many private and public projects, such as paving roads, constructing wharves, building libraries and churches. During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress used lotteries to raise funds for the colonial army. The online gov info library says that, by the mid-1740s, the colonies had more than 200 lotteries sanctioned. Some states even used the lottery to fund the foundation of universities, including Princeton and Yale.
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
This story examines the ways in which people are willing to do anything for money. It is an example of the way human evil can manifest itself in a small town. The story is not a happy one, and the lottery winner, Mrs. Delacroix, ends up being stoned to death by her fellow villagers. It is a sad commentary on the greed and cruelty of humans.
Jackson uses several characterization methods to develop her characters. First, she uses the setting as a way to reveal character traits. The villagers gather in a simple and informal setting. They greeted each other and exchanged bits of gossip. Their behavior shows that they are essentially evil and uncaring. Jackson also gives her characters certain characteristics through their actions. For instance, she portrays Mr. Summers as someone who is oblivious to the fact that he is not the winner. This is shown in the fact that he does not even congratulate Mrs. Delacroix.
Another characterization method is the use of plot. The plot of the story revolves around the lottery. The villagers are eager to win the jackpot, and they try to manipulate each other in order to get the tickets. The plot of the story also reveals that the villagers are incredibly hypocritical.
Lottery is a great short story that explores different themes. The story is a good read for those who are interested in learning more about characterization methods. This short story also offers a glimpse of how the human mind works and how people behave in society. This is an excellent piece of literature that is a must-read for anyone who loves reading.