The lottery is a form of gambling in which people pay a small amount to receive a large sum of money or other valuable goods. Modern forms of lotteries are used in military conscription, commercial promotions (in which property is given away by a random procedure), and the selection of juries. Lotteries are not considered to be gambling if they do not require the payment of consideration in exchange for a chance to win. Some states have laws prohibiting the sale of certain types of lotteries.
During the immediate post-World War II period, it became common for many states to use lotteries to raise money for various social welfare projects and other public purposes. The lottery was a popular alternative to increasing taxes on the middle class and working classes, which were considered to be too onerous at the time. Lottery winners generally expect to receive the advertised jackpot in a lump sum, but there is a risk that they will have to pay income tax on some portion of the winnings.
There are many important issues raised in Shirley Jackson’s story, The Lottery. The most obvious is the role of tradition. Old Man Warner is a conservative force in the village who believes that human sacrifice will improve the corn crop. The story shows how tradition can be so powerful that it can blind the rational mind. It is also a story about the dangers of democracy. People must be able to stand up against their governments if they believe that something is wrong.
