lottery argumentative essay topics

169 The Lottery Essay Topics & Questions for Analysis and Argumentative Papers

“The Lottery” is a chilling short story by Shirley Jackson.

Each year, the townspeople gather to hold a lottery. After winning the local lottery, the winners don’t receive any money. Instead, they are stoned to death. Shirley Jackson portrays the brutal and senseless violence lurking beneath the surface of an ordinary small town.

Continue reading this article to find various topic selections and essay prompts. And don’t forget about a bonus at the end: a writing guide for an essay on “The Lottery.”

⭐ Top 12 The Lottery Essay Topics

✏️ the lottery essay prompts.

🤔 The Lottery Analysis Essay
💡 The Lottery Argumentative Essay

❓ The Lottery Essay Questions

✔️ Bonus Essay Topics
📋 The Lottery Essay Outline

🔗 References

The role of tradition in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
The power of groupthink in “The Lottery.”
Symbolism and foreshadowing in “The Lottery.”
The use of irony in “The Lottery.”
The significance of the title in “The Lottery.”
The relationship between gender and violence in “The Lottery.”
The theme of blind obedience in “The Lottery.”
The significance of the black box in “The Lottery.”
The role of fear in “The Lottery.”
The importance of setting in “The Lottery.”
The theme of human nature in “The Lottery.”
The role of sacrifice in “The Lottery.”

The picture provides examples of topics for The Lottery essay.

Don’t know where to start your essay on “The Lottery”? The writing prompts below can help you find inspiration for your paper.

Symbolism in The Lottery: Essay Prompt

In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” symbolism is significant in conveying the story’s themes and underlying messages. Discuss how it is used in the story. Explain how symbolism contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

Consider the following symbols: the black box, the stones, and the lottery itself.

What do these symbols represent?
How do they reflect the story’s central themes of tradition, violence, and conformity?
How does Jackson’s use of symbolism create tension and build toward the story’s shocking conclusion?

Use evidence from the text to support your analysis .

The Lottery Theme: Essay Prompt

In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the author explores the theme of blind obedience.

In your essay, provide examples from the text that support this theme. You can use the story’s climax as an illustration. Describe how Tessie’s selection as the sacrificial victim highlights the consequences of mindlessly following authority.

You may also discuss how the story’s message can be applied to real-world situations. You could write about politics, religion, or social norms. Explain how it can serve as a warning to people who are led by society.

Setting of the Lottery: Essay Prompt

In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the setting is essential to the story’s meaning. Analyze how it contributes to the overall theme and message.

Describe how the setting creates a sense of familiarity and unease for the reader. You can also define how it foreshadows the eventual violence and horror of the lottery.
Consider how the small-town atmosphere, with its traditions and social hierarchies, contributes to the theme. Discuss how the story’s setting reflects the period in which it was written. Write about the social pressures in post-World War II America.
Explain why the story’s setting resonates with contemporary readers and how it contributes to its impact.

Prompt for Compare and Contrast Essay on The Lottery and The Hunger Games

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Suzanne Collins’s “The Hunger Games” explore the theme of ritualized violence. You can compare and contrast the portrayal of this theme in the two texts.

Consider the similarities and differences between how the societies in each story use ritualized violence.
Compare the protagonists of each story, Katniss Everdeen and Tessie Hutchinson. Describe how they respond to the violence in their respective societies.
Discuss how each story uses the theme of ritualized violence to comment on real-world issues, for instance, the effects of societal structures and power dynamics on individual agency.
Define which story offers a more effective critique of the dangers of ritualized violence in society.

🤔 Topics for The Lottery Analysis Essay

Below, we’ve selected the best Lottery essay topics for your literary analysis paper. Check them out to get inspired!

The Lottery Critical Analysis Essay: Topics

Symbolism in “The Lottery”: the deeper meaning behind the lottery process.
The theme of blind adherence to tradition in “The Lottery.”
The role of violence in “The Lottery” and its impact on the plot.
The social commentary on conformity and collective psychology in “The Lottery.”
Psychological effects of the lottery on the characters in Shirley Jackson’s story.
The role of fear and manipulation in “The Lottery.”
Analyzing the use of suspense and foreshadowing in the story.
The theme of sacrifice in “The Lottery” and its implications.
The concept of scapegoating in “The Lottery.”
The significance of the black box and its symbolism in “The Lottery.”
The portrayal of mob mentality and its consequences in “The Lottery.”
Evaluating the portrayal of community dynamics in the story.
The ethical implications of withholding information in “The Lottery.”
The use of irony and its purpose in “The Lottery.”
Analyzing the role of gender and power dynamics in “The Lottery.”
Comparing the lottery in “The Lottery” to real-world rituals and traditions.
The portrayal of power structures and hierarchies in “The Lottery.”
Analyzing the connection between tradition and progress in “The Lottery.”
Exploring the historical and cultural context of “The Lottery.”
The use of setting and atmosphere to enhance the narrative in “The Lottery.”

Topics for The Lottery Character Analysis Essay

Tessie Hutchinson’s transformation throughout “The Lottery.”
Old Man Warner: analyzing the role of tradition and fear in shaping his character.
Mr. Summers: examining the character’s influence and authority within the lottery process.
Understanding Bill Hutchinson’s motives and actions in relation to the lottery.
Mrs. Delacroix: analyzing her participation and reaction in the lottery drawing.
The impact of the lottery on children in the story.
Mr. Graves’s role as the lottery official and his attitude toward the event.
Mrs. Adams’s perspective and relationship with the lottery tradition.
The motivations and decision-making process of the Lottery Committee.
The Villagers: analyzing the collective mindset and conformity of the community.
Old Man Warner’s Grandchildren: the potential impact of the lottery on future generations.
Comparing and contrasting the characters’ reactions to the lottery.
The portrayal of female characters in “The Lottery” and their role in perpetuating the violence.
Gender roles and dynamics portrayed in the characters of “The Lottery.”
The symbolism associated with each character in “The Lottery.”
The characters’ moral and ethical dilemmas concerning the lottery.
The characters’ motivations for upholding or questioning the lottery tradition.
The impact of social pressure and conformity on the characters’ actions in the lottery.
Analyzing the characters’ perspectives on sacrifice in “The Lottery.”
Critiquing the absence of empathy and compassion in the characters of “The Lottery.”

The Lottery Literary Analysis Essay: Topics

The use of symbolism in shaping the characters and themes in “The Lottery.”
Exploring dramatic irony in the character interactions of “The Lottery.”
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: literary analysis .
The role of foreshadowing in developing suspense and tension in the story.
The use of setting to enhance the atmosphere and mood in “The Lottery.”
The significance of the black box as a central literary device in the story.
The use of irony in the characterizations and actions of the villagers.
Allegory in “The Lottery” and its impact on the interpretation of the characters.
The use of repetition and ritualistic language in the lottery process and its effect on the characters.
The contrast between appearance and reality through literary devices in “The Lottery.”
The role of allusion in deepening the meaning and implications of the characters’ actions.
The use of suspense and pacing to engage readers and heighten the character development.
Situational irony in the characters’ acceptance and participation in the lottery.
Symbolism of Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
Dialogue as a literary device revealing the characters’ attitudes and beliefs in “The Lottery.”
The use of metaphor and simile in describing characters and their actions in “The Lottery.”
The impact of point of view as a narrative device in “The Lottery.”
The role of satire and irony in critiquing societal norms and the characters’ adherence to them in “The Lottery.”
The use of ambiguity and uncertainty in shaping the readers’ perceptions of the characters.
Irony and paradox in the characters’ motivations and decision-making.
The role of personification in “The Lottery.”
Cliffhangers and unresolved situations as the means of suspense in “The Lottery.”

💡 Topics for The Lottery Argumentative Essay

The portrayal of blind conformity in “The Lottery” as a critique of societal norms.
“The Lottery” as a powerful allegory for the dangers of tradition and ritualistic behavior.
The role of the black box in “The Lottery” as a symbol of oppression and control.
Critiquing the role of the individual in “The Lottery” and the consequences of collective action.
“The Lottery” as a commentary on the dangers of mob mentality and groupthink.
The lottery as an instrument of social control and manipulation in “The Lottery”.
Suspense and tension in “The Lottery” provoke thought and discussion.
The representation of sacrifice and its ethical implications in “The Lottery.”
The lottery as a reflection of the dark side of human nature in “The Lottery”.
The consequences of blindly upholding tradition and its relevance in “The Lottery.”
The theme of social inequality and discrimination in “The Lottery.”
The role of fear in perpetuating the lottery tradition in “The Lottery.”
Arguments for the abolishment of the lottery in the story.
The lottery as a representation of the human capacity for cruelty and violence.
The manipulation of fear and the maintenance of control in “The Lottery.”
The lottery as a reflection of societal values and priorities in “The Lottery”.
The lottery as a tool for social cohesion and unity in “The Lottery”.
The portrayal of dehumanization and the loss of individuality in “The Lottery.”
Critiquing the role of randomness and chance in the lottery drawing in the story.
The lottery as a symbol of fatalistic thinking and resignation to one’s fate.
The role of tradition in “The Lottery” and its resistance to change and progress.
Critically analyzing the villagers’ belief in the lottery and its justification.
The lottery as a reflection of the human desire for control and dominance.
The characters’ absence of agency and free will in “The Lottery.”
Critiquing the portrayal of community and its values in “The Lottery.”
The lottery as a commentary on the dangers of following traditions without questioning.
The portrayal of surprise and shock in “The Lottery” and its effects on the characters.
Lessons about collective responsibility and guilt learned from “The Lottery.”
The lottery as a reflection of the human tendency to participate in harmful practices.
The portrayal of sanity and madness in “The Lottery.”
Critically analyzing the representation of violence and its consequences in “The Lottery.”
The lottery as a metaphor for the injustices and cruelties in the real world.
Individual responsibility in a deterministic society as portrayed in “The Lottery.”
The relevance and significance of “The Lottery” in contemporary society.
The transformation of Bill Hutchinson’s character from a passive bystander to a victim.
How does “The Lottery” satirically critique blind adherence to tradition?
What role does symbolism play in “The Lottery,” and how does it enhance the story’s meaning?
Is the lottery ritual in the story a representation of mob mentality, and if so, how?
Does “The Lottery” effectively challenge the concept of a just and fair society?
How does Shirley Jackson use foreshadowing to build suspense in “The Lottery”?
What is the meaning of recurring references to food and feasting in the story?
Is there any significance to the selection of Tessie Hutchinson as the sacrifice in “The Lottery”?
In what ways does “The Lottery” explore the theme of conformity and its dangers?
Is the violence depicted in “The Lottery” necessary for the story’s impact, or could it have been portrayed differently?
What does the ending of “The Lottery” suggest about the human capacity for cruelty?
How does Shirley Jackson use irony to convey her message in “The Lottery”?
Is there any redeeming value to the lottery tradition portrayed in the story, or is it solely a negative portrayal?
Who can be the real audience of “The Lottery,” and how does it affect the understanding of the story?
Why does no one in the town openly resist the lottery?
Is “The Lottery” primarily a critique of societal norms or a commentary on human nature?
What commentary does “The Lottery” make about the arbitrary nature of violence in society?
Are there any sympathetic characters in “The Lottery,” or are they all complicit in the violent tradition?
What does “The Lottery” suggest about the cyclical nature of violence and oppression?
Does “The Lottery” serve as a critique of organized religion and its potential for harm?
How does the public nature of the lottery in the story influence the characters’ participation?
Is there any significance to the fact that the lottery tradition has been passed down through generations?
How does “The Lottery” challenge the notion of the inherent goodness of human beings?
Is “The Lottery” a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of a strict social hierarchy?
What is the significance of the date and time of year the lottery takes place in the story?
How does the fear of punishment influence the characters’ obedience to the lottery tradition?
Do the characters in “The Lottery” have any agency in their participation, or are they merely victims of tradition?
Is “The Lottery” an effective critique of the concept of luck and chance in society?
How does the portrayal of children in “The Lottery” contribute to the story’s tone and message?
What role do the women in “The Lottery” play in upholding the tradition and perpetuating the violence?
Is there a deeper meaning to the significance of the stones as the chosen method of execution in “The Lottery”?
What is the purpose and impact of the seemingly banal conversations and interactions among the characters in the story?
Does “The Lottery” explore the theme of sacrifice and its relevance to societal structures?
How does the use of a small-town setting in “The Lottery” contribute to the story’s overall impact?
Does “The Lottery” suggest that violence and oppression are inherent in human nature, or are they products of societal structures?
How does the character of Tessie Hutchinson challenge or conform to societal expectations in “The Lottery”?
Does “The Lottery” critique the role of gender in enforcing and perpetuating harmful societal traditions?
In what ways does “The Lottery” comment on the dangers of passivity and indifference in the face of injustice?
How does the portrayal of the lottery tradition in “The Lottery” relate to real-world rituals and customs?
How do the names of the characters, such as Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves, contribute to the story’s themes and symbolism?
Why did Jackson decide not to include details about the lottery’s origin and purpose?

✔️ Bonus Essay Topics for The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

The psychological impact of the lottery on the villagers in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
The historical context of “The Lottery” and its relevance today.
The paradoxical nature of community in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
The significance of Shirley Jackson’s legacy and her impact on modern horror literature through “The Lottery.”
The significance of the title “The Lottery” and its connection to fate.
The use of suspense and surprise endings in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.”
Shirley Jackson’s personal experiences and how they influenced “The Lottery.”
The role of tradition in shaping societal norms in “The Lottery” and its relevance today.
The significance of the date June 27th in “The Lottery.”
The portrayal of mental illness in “The Lottery” and its societal implications.
The role of education in challenging societal norms in “The Lottery.”
The portrayal of masculinity in “The Lottery” and its connection to power dynamics.
Shirley Jackson’s legacy and influence on modern literature.
The impact of “The Lottery” on the literary world and its reception at the time of publication.
The controversy surrounding “The Lottery” and its banning in certain schools and communities.
The portrayal of the elderly in “The Lottery” and their societal marginalization.
The theme of sacrifice and its connection to the American Dream in “The Lottery.”
The role of tradition and ritual in shaping modern society as explored in “The Lottery”.
The significance of the lottery as a form of entertainment in “The Lottery.”
The relevance of “The Lottery” in contemporary conformity and social pressure discussions.

📋 The Lottery by Shirley Jackson: Essay Outline

Do you want to write an A+ essay about “The Lottery”? We’ve prepared a writing guide to help you with this task.

The Lottery Essay Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention. To do so, you’ll need to start with a hook — it is a statement or question that captures the reader’s interest and makes them want to keep reading. Look at the example:

Hook: Imagine living in a small town where the annual tradition is choosing who would be stoned to death. Would you participate in such a ritual or rebel against it?

After that, you should provide some context for the topic. Background information helps the readers understand what the paper will be about. Here’s an example of how it might look:

Background information: First published in 1948, the story shocked readers with its portrayal of a seemingly idyllic community that engages in a horrific act of violence.

The last sentence of the introduction should be your thesis statement .

Thesis Statement for The Lottery

A thesis statement is a claim or argument that addresses the prompt or topic of an essay. It should be concise and debatable and provide a roadmap for the rest of the paper. A good thesis statement should also reflect the writer’s position. This sentence is supposed to guide the reader’s understanding of the essay’s main point.

Consider “The Lottery” thesis statement example:

Thesis statement: “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson uses the brutal ritual of a small town’s annual lottery to criticize the dangers of blindly following tradition and highlight the inherent violence and cruelty thriving beneath seemingly peaceful communities.

Essay on The Lottery: Body Paragraphs

When writing body paragraphs, it’s important to focus on one main idea or argument per paragraph.

Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence . It should state the main point and link the paragraph to the previous one. Here’s an example:

Topic sentence: The use of foreshadowing in “The Lottery” creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the story.

A topic sentence is followed by supporting sentences . Each supporting sentence should provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back up the paragraph’s main idea. Use specific details from the story to support your claims and explain how they relate to your argument. Check out this example:

Supporting evidence: From the opening scene, where the villagers gather in the town square, there are hints of something ominous about to happen. The children are gathering stones, and the adults are murmuring uneasily.

The Lottery Essay Conclusion

The conclusion is the final section of an essay that summarizes the main arguments and closes the discussion. To write a good conclusion, restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points. Here’s an example of how a paraphrased thesis might look:

Restated thesis: Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” describes the violent tradition of an annual lottery in a small town to critique the ones conforming to traditions while also bringing attention to violence and brutality that may exist in places that look quiet at first sight.

To end a text, you should wrap up the discussion and provide closure for the reader. You can do it by offering a final thought, insight, or a call to action.

It’s important to avoid introducing new information or arguments in a conclusion. It can confuse or frustrate your audience. Instead, focus on bringing the discussion to a satisfying and meaningful end that leaves a lasting impression.

We hope our list of topics and writing guide have been helpful. You can also try our online topic generator to always have fresh ideas for your paper.

The Lottery: Themes | SparkNotes
Reading and Discussion Questions on Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” | Washington State University
Study Guide to Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” | Kansas State University
The Lottery Themes | Shmoop
Analysis of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson | ThoughtCo
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson | University of Hawaii
The Lottery Themes | eNotes
The Symbolism of Jackson’s “The Lottery” Explained | Interesting Literature
The Normalization of Violence in “The Lottery” | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The Lottery: Essay Topics & Samples

The Lottery is one of those stories that can be interpreted in a million different ways. The author brings up many cultural, social, and even political issues for discussion. It is so controversial that the readers were sending hate mails to Jackson!

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

Did you receive a writing assignment on The Lottery by Shirley Jackson? Have no idea where to start? Don’t panic! Sometimes you can find it hard to decide on one topic when there are so many options. This short story also has many Easter eggs to analyze. Custom-Writing.org experts created this list of the best ideas for the essay and The Lottery essay questions to help you out!

💡 Essay Topics
✒️ Essay Samples

💡 The Lottery: Essay Topics

Don’t know where to start your essay on The Lottery by Shirley Jackson? Check out the prompts to help you write a successful paper!

Literary analysis essay on The Lottery by Shirley Jackson . For this task, you would need to work through the main themes of the story . However, to make it easier, you might want to focus on one topic at a time. For instance, write about the role of tradition and how powerful it can be.
How are gender roles represented in the story? Look closer to how the roles are divided in this fictional society. There is violence against women, but it doesn’t seem like they are allowed to play victims. Can you catch a glimpse of sexism in some situations? You might as well draw some parallels with the real world.
How much do traditions affect our lives? The Lottery as an example . In this analysis essay on The Lottery , you are asked to elaborate on the central theme of the story. Shirley Jackson shows tradition to be so strong and powerful in this society that the rational mind can’t even bring others to reason.
Social classes in The Lottery . Are there any characters in the short story that may seem a bit more privileged than the others? All villagers seem to be in the same boat with equal rights. What about Mr. Summers? His name is on the list, and he draws with everybody else, but doesn’t he have more powers?
The psychology of the crowd in the short story . You are asked to write an argumentative essay on The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. Look for some strong arguments to support the idea. However, there is no need to come up with complicated psychoanalytic theories. Focus on your personal opinion and add some quotes.
Hidden symbols in Shirley Jackson’s story . Here, it would help if you worked on literary analysis for a little bit. There are some apparent symbols, such as the black box and the stones. But how many more can you find? For example, look at the importance of households and write a symbolism essay on The Lottery .
Investigate the phenomenon of hypocrisy in The Lottery . The villagers can be friendly and kind to their neighbors before the ritual begins . However, as soon as they know the results, they immediately turn against “the winner.” Tessie seems like she would do the same, but when she appears to be the chosen one, it doesn’t please her at all.
Tessie Hutchinson as a scapegoat in The Lottery . What can make you think that the main character serves as a scapegoat for the villagers? She might not have a good reputation among them. What do you think drives them to stone her to death? Start a debate on this issue, and don’t forget to use our literature study guide!
The significance of names in Shirley Jackson’s story . You might have noticed the specifics of the main characters’ names. For instance, Mr. Summers fits perfectly in the setting of a beautiful summer day. Mr. Delacroix, in his turn, carries some hidden religious meaning if you look up the translation. Can you find any other meaningful names?
What is the central message of The Lottery ? You might have thought about it after reading the summary of the short story. Well, there is no specific answer because everything depends on your perspective. It may concern social or political issues or whatever you prefer. It is what makes your essay so unique, isn’t it?

✒️ The Lottery: Essay Samples

Below you’ll find a collection of The Lottery essay examples. You are welcome to use them for inspiration!

Point of View in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
The Lottery Analysis: Essay on Shirley Jackson’s Short Story
The Lottery: Literary Analysis
Groupthink Notion in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Gothic Horror in “The Lottery”
Foreshadowing in The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Crowd Impersonation in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Gender Equality in Jackson’s “The Lottery”
Herd Behavior in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
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129 The Lottery Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on the lottery, 🎓 interesting the lottery essay topics, 👍 good the lottery research topics & essay examples, 💡 simple the lottery essay ideas, 📌 easy the lottery essay topics, ❓ the lottery essay questions.

The Lottery Analysis: Essay on Shirley Jackson’s Short Story
Psychoanalytic Criticism of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
“Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: Marxist Criticism, Characters, Style, and Tone
Themes in the Story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
The Lottery Essay: Literary Analysis Example
“The Lottery” a Short Story by Shirley Jackson
The Lottery Short Story: Personal Response
Groupthink Notion in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Irving Janis introduced the term “groupthink” to describe behavior. In this paper, the list of symptoms will be applied in order to analyze the situation in Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery.
Herd Behavior in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson This paper examines the theme, ironic symbolism, and setting in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and analyzes how the author applies them in the narration.
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: A Story Analysis The rich exploit the poor to become more powerful and wealthy. In The Lottery story by Jackson, Mr. Summer is seen to entice the poor to play the lottery to gain more wealth.
“The Lottery” by Jackson and “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” by Le Guin Analysis of the stories written by Jackson and Le Guin allows one to plunge into the seemingly perfect worlds, where everyone becomes a victim of artificially created morality, and find many common ideas.
Foreshadowing in The Lottery by Shirley Jackson In “The Lottery and Other Stories,” an example of foreshadowing was the emphasis on how various characters spoke and interacted with one another.
Democracy in The Lottery by Jackson Politics is an essential part of nowadays life. Politics are obligations of a state in regard to society and personality.
Analysis of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson The paper is designed to conduct a literary analysis of “The Lottery” short story by Shirley Jackson and interpret its symbolic meaning that remains relevant to this day.
Man vs. Society Conflict in ”The Lottery” by S. Jackson The purpose of this paper is to discuss the conflict in “The Lottery” by S. Jackson as that of man vs. society.
Marxist Criticism in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson In “The Lottery” Shirley Jackson uses the contrast between the ruling class and the working class to illustrate her point about the fight for social change.
Traditions in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson “The Lottery” was written by Shirley Jackson in 1948 and contains many notable themes that are significant and relevant to discuss even today.
Conformity and Individualism in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” The paper’s thesis is that “The Lottery” and “Sonny’s Blues” stories reveal the theme of conformity vs. individualism and the universal nature of human suffering.
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: A More Positive Ending “The Lottery” is a famous short story by Shirley Jackson that embodies a great number of themes and encourages readers all over the world to take a critical look at traditions.
Tradition in “Everyday Use” by Walker and “The Lottery” by Jackson In Walker’s “Everyday Use”, the theme of tradition is highly defined by the single-family members. In Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the theme of tradition is used to show its brutality.
Narrative & Meaning in Jackson’s “The Lottery” The use of narrative techniques in “The Lottery” is a compelling force of preparing the audience to discern the meaning of the story.
Narration in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” Jackson’s “The Lottery” raises a question of the significance of the story behind the text and requires an analysis, as the presented narration is open for interpretation.
Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery: Imagery, Foreshadowing, & Symbolism Shirley Jackson’s employment of detailed imagery, foreshadowing, and symbolism has contributed significantly to the masterful nature of “The Lottery.”
Themes of Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” Story “The Lottery” is famous for its scapegoat, other ideas baked into its very premises, such as tradition, and human nature, add to the atmosphere, creating a nuanced narrative.
Viciousness in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” illustrates the height of human potential to execute violence, although, it is depicted as ritual practices, tradition, and community order.
Shirley Jackson’s Short Story “The Lottery” Literature Analysis Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is a memorable short story that has been called a piece of gothic horror. It is also clearly a piece of social commentary.
Rituals and Human Nature in The Lottery “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson is a fictional narrative representing rural American culture. One of the most notable themes in the storyline is the power of tradition.
The True Sense of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson “The Lottery” symbolizes a human psyche paradox between compassion and violence, which is embodied in the unfair treatment of the unlucky participant.
“The Lottery” the Story by Shirley Jackson In her short story “The Lottery,” Shirley Jackson discusses numerous provocative themes in a controversial and indirect manner.
Symbol in “The Lottery” Story by Shirley Jackson By using stones as the symbol of violence in “The Lottery,” Jackson represents the subject matter as a social phenomenon, the instances of which are difficult to overcome.
Themes of Humanism in Jackson’s “The Lottery” Story Jackson’s “The Lottery” story reveals the themes of humanism, female discrimination, and paganism, emphasizing the changes in human values, beliefs, and attitudes.
Analysis of “The Lottery” Story by Shirley Jackson The article argues that “The Lottery” demonstrates that despite the moral values people may have, society’s pressure and a sense of impunity can push them to any inhuman act.
Similar Theme in “The Lottery” and “The Hunger Games” The lottery in the books “The Lottery” and “The Hunger Games” appears as a symbol designed to demonstrate the problems of outdated but still dominant traditions in societies.
The Meaning of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson The story presents a fictional village that conducts the annual ritual “the lottery” on June 27 when the villagers gather together for this tradition.
Shirley Jackson “The Lottery”: Criticizing the Concept of Clinging to Traditions Without Understanding The real purpose of Shirley Jackson’s short story, “The Lottery” is to criticize the concept of clinging to traditions without understanding their origins or implications.
Development of the Setting in Shirley’s “The Lottery” and “The Rocking Horse Winner” by Lawrence: From Claustrophobic to Chaotic In “The Lottery” and “The Rocking Horse Winner,” the changes in the setting are defined not by the physical alterations in the environment but by the prism through which they are viewed.
Crowd Impersonation in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Despite the fact that all the characters of Jackson’s “The Lottery” are vivid, great attention is paid to the crowd as a single organism yielding to common ideas and influence.
Gender Equality in Jackson’s “The Lottery” The issue of gender relationships has been widely discussed in the literature, and Jackson’s “The Lottery” is one of the strongest examples of the gender inequality problem.
Analysis of Symbols in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is an impressive short novel that narrates the story of an intriguing but cruel tradition in a small village in the United States.
Analysis of The Lottery, a Story about a Happy Winner The story was published in 1948 in The New Yorker. The population was still trying to recover from World War II, 1939-1945.
Symbolism in The Lottery Story by Shirley Jackson The Lottery was written by Shirley Jackson in 1948 and contains many notable themes. The Lottery might be perceived as a short story that contains a considerable number of symbols.
“The Lottery” and “The Destructors”: Conflict, Characterization and Irony The essay will discuss the main conflicts of “The Lottery” and “The Destructors” stories, their characterization, and themes.
Aggression as a Theme in The Lottery by Shirley Jackson The work considers the story that compares commonplace details of current life with a barbaric ceremony known as the "lottery" from the book The Lottery and Other Stories.
“The Lottery” the Short Story by Shirley Jackson The Lottery is the most well-known publication of the author, which she published in 1948. This story portrays the life of a small suburban town in the United States.
Manipulation and Distorted Traditions: Analysis of “The Lottery” by Jackson This paper will analyze how the author integrates the elements common to lotteries in the settlement’s tradition to emphasize how easy it is to manipulate the opinion of the masses.
Tradition in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson In Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery,” the author uses the pathological lottery system to symbolize the problems of traditions in modern society.
Conformity in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” In the famous short story “The Lottery,” Shirley Jackson implements various literary devices in order to confront the issue of conformity.
“The Lottery” by Jackson, and “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by Lawrence In two short stories, “The Lottery” by Jackson and “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by Lawrence, the philosophical conflict between luck and its consequences is clearly outlined.
Dangers of Mob Mentality in ”The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Although the lottery is usually associated with a winner getting a grand prize, in the story, it is a process of selecting a victim for a ritual.
Literary Analysis of Jackson’s “The Lottery” Shirley Jackson’s Lottery is one of the jewels of classic American literature of the twentieth century. This work made a massive contribution to the development of the genre of mysticism.
Greasy Lake, Lord of the Flies, and The Lottery: Compare & Contrast Human savagery is equally as much a weapon of mass destruction as anthrax, a nuclear weapon. Since the dawn of time, human nature has exuded a persistent vein of unwarranted violence and cruelty.
The Lottery & The Rocking Horse Winner Compare & Contrast Essay Two authors, Shirley Jackson and David Herbert Lawrence in their short stories The Lottery and The Rocking Horse Winner explore the theme of the dangers of blindly following traditional or cultural norms.
Literary Analysis of Jackson’s The Lottery Story In The Lottery, Jackson explores the fundamentals of human nature, questioning whether or not all individuals are capable of violence and cruelty.
The Lottery Analysis: Story by Shirley Jackson This paper analyses the short story “The Lottery” written by Shirley Jackson. It tells about the lottery in a village, the result of which was the stoning of a “winner” to death.
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Review Shirley Jackson gained a reputation as a literary witch. However, already in the “Lottery,” the talent for the depiction of the human soul was revealed.
Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery Review The Lottery, first published in 1948, remains to be one of the most-read stories in American literature. The story revolves around a small village in New England.
“The Lottery” by Jackson vs. “Antigone” by Sophocles Jackson’s short story “The Lottery” describes a tradition in a small town where members draw lottery slips. Sophocles’s play “Antigone” follows one girl’s fight against authority.
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”: Human Cruelty In “The Lottery” Shirley Jackson reflects on the boundaries and potential of human cruelty, using a stylistic and semantic opposition of the beginning and end of the storyline.
The Preservation of Humanism Contrary to Tradition in Story “The Lottery” Jackson wrote a stunning contrast between the ordinary and usual quiet life of the village and the shocking tradition, which, however, by force of habit, takes its place.
Condemnation & Violence in Jackson’s “The Lottery” Shields’s article “Arbitrary Condemnation and Sanctioned Violence in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” argues that the concept of capital punishment on a lottery basis is dangerous.
Human Sacrifice vs. Ritual Murder in “The Lottery”, by Shirley Jackson
General Information About Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” Inhumanity Exposed
Exploring How the Way Shirley Jackson Uses Symbolism in “The Lottery”
The Deadly Symbolic Presence of Mr. Graves in Shirley Jackson “The Lottery”
Feminism in “The Yellow Wallpaper”, and Jackson’s “The Lottery”
Lucky Winner: Irony Shirley Jackson”The Lottery”
How Does “The Lottery” Explore the Theme of Tradition and Its Dangers
The Importance of Shirley Jackson’s Insights About Man and Society in “The Lottery”
How the Authors Bring Out the Theme of Class and Society in Anton Chekhov’s the Bet and Shirley Jackson’ “The Lottery”
Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’ and Kate Chopin’s ‘The Story’
The Link Between Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Obsolete Tradition
‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Tradition in ‘The Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson
The Destructive Yet Blind Rituals of Mankind in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” Message of Social Responsibility
The Irony, Symbolism, and “The Lottery”, by Shirley Jackson
The Lottery, Its Social Order and Male Superiority Issue
Similarities and Differences Between “The Lottery” and “Harrison Bergeron”
The Lottery, Exhibit Sadism and Arbitrary Brutality
The Importance of Marxist Criticism for Shirley Jacksons ‘The Lottery’
Similarities Involving Social Ritual and Ceremony in the Hunger Games and “The Lottery”
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” – Blind Obedience Exposed
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” Aspects of Human Nature and the Desire for One to Suffer as Long as Everyday Life Continues
Normalizing Violence and Inhumanity: Shirley Jacksons “The Lottery”
Individual the Majority and Evil in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
How Does Shirley Jackson Build Up Suspense in the Short Story “The Lottery”
Issues With Government Depicted in Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Jackson’s “The Lottery”
The Conflicts Between Male Authority and Female Resistance in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”
Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’: How Tradition Is Skewed
Symbolism and Genre Conventions of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Ursula Le Guin’s the Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas
The Good and Bad of Human Nature in the Short Story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
The Human Dignity Motive in the Dystopian Societies in Short Stories “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and the Ones
Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Joyce’s “The Dead”
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” – Evils of Society Exposed
Analysis and Psychological Aspects of the Short Story “The Lottery”
Sinister Symbols Within “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Comparing and Contrasting ‘The Lottery’ and ‘The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas’
Plot and Central Idea in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”: A Compare and Contrast Analysis of the Roles of the Men, Women, and Children
Individual, the Majority, and Evil in ‘The Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson
The Cruel and Weak Nature of Humans in the Short Story, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Religious and Traditional Symbols in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Susan Glaspell’s a Jury of Her Peers: Theme and Gender Roles
What Is the Irony Found in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
How Does Marxist Literary Criticism Relate to Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”?
What Is the Purpose of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
What Themes Are Found in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
What Is the Main Conflict in Shirley Jackson’s Book “The Lottery”?
What Made “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Stand Out From Earlier Stories?
What Are Some Questions You Can Raise After Reading “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
What Are Some Critical Interpretations of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
How Is the Short Story “The Lottery” Related to Shirley Jackson?
What Propaganda Devices Can You Relate to the Short Story “The Lottery”, by Shirley Jackson?
What Is the Significance of the Setting Found in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
Who Is the Speaker Talking To in the Story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
How Is the Climax Built in the Short Story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
What Is the Significance of the Number 21 in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”?
What Are Some Examples of Mob Mentality in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
What Are the Literary Devices Used in the Short Story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
What Is the Name for a Type of Experiment Such as the One Described in “The Lottery”?
What Are the Similarities and Differences Between “The Lottery” and “Dead Man’s Path”?
Why People Stand Up for Justice in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson?
How the Conflicts Between Male Authority and Female Resistance in Are Shown in “The Lottery”?
How Sacrificial Symbolism and Rules Are Imaged in “The Lottery”?
How Shirley Jackson Uses Imagery in “The Lottery”?
How Does Shirley Jackson Build Up Suspense in the Short Story “The Lottery”?
What Parts of the Short Story “The Lottery” Were Deleted From the Movie and Why?
Who Is the Most Important Character in “The Lottery”?

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These essay examples and topics on The Lottery were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 27, 2023 .

The Lottery

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How does the author create a feeling of suspense or dread? Give examples.

The Lottery offended many readers on its first publication. Explain why the story was controversial. Do you agree? If yes, explain why. If not, defend the story with a rebuttal .

Little Davy Hutchinson receives a small handful of stones . Why? Given the purpose of the lottery, was this a proper thing to do? Defend your view.

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The Lottery Essay Examples

The role of setting in the lottery by shirley jackson.

When individuals confine themselves to societies ideas, beliefs and values, they are ultimately engaging in a lifelong battle of survival of the fittest. This holds true, literally and figuratively, in the short story, “The Lottery,” written by Shirly Jackson. Shirly expands the meaning behind this...

The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson: an Incomprehensible Tradition

'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is about a small village of people gathering on June 27th for a “Lottery.” This essay about 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson in which we will shortly review this story. Everybody stopped what they were doing and went to the...

"The Lottery": Tessie Hutchinson Character Analysis

'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is a thought-provoking short story that delves into the dark undercurrents of human nature and the dangers of blindly following tradition. At the center of this chilling narrative is Tessie Hutchinson, a seemingly ordinary woman whose character embodies the complexities...

Cultural Analysis of the Lottery by Shirley Jackson

What is tradition and what does it mean to continually follow that said tradition daily, monthly, or even yearly? “Tradition is an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)”. Traditions are passed on...

A Reflection on the Lottery: the Issue of Old Traditions

Traditions are the leading source of every culture and developments in societies. It is what keeps the beliefs of traditions and customs alive. So they can be passed on from one generation to another. However, not all traditions begin with good intentions. Some traditions become...

Book Report: the Lottery by Shirley Jackson

A lottery is a means of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random. Happiness and joy are what you would expect after winning a lottery, but this isn’t the case in the story chosen. The...

Shirley Jackson’s Use of Suspense in the Lottery

Shirley Jackson's perception about man and society are reflected in her acclaimed short story 'The Lottery'. Huge numbers of her scholars have discovered this story stunning and exasperating. Jackson uncovers two general frames of mind in this story: first, the stunning truth of human's inclination...

Shirley Jackson’s Use of Symbolism in "The Lottery"

Dating back to before written history and even earlier than oral known history, people have always had names. Names are and will continue to be a prominent part of our culture as they are essential in everyday life. As soon as a baby is born,...

Literary Analysis of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson authored “The Lottery” short story in 1948. This is among her numerous short stories, poems, and other writings which entail her passion. The story has held numerous negative reactions from readers since its publication. The story seems to be controversial as it has...

The Theme of Conformity in the Lottery by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson, an American author, is known for composing a highly controversial tale about a village’s annual death ritual in the short-story, The Lottery. Though this chronicle seems horrid, Jackson reveals that in a coherent society, conformity is always lurking leading to the most barbaric...

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