The symbolism used by Shirley Jackson is designed to allow readers to understand the meaning of the story better. The characters in the story, the objects, and the figures used make up the universe of the literary work. Moreover, the author includes readers in the process of actively interpreting and analyzing the story’s plot. This is achieved through the use of symbols conveying the writer’s idea and revealing the essence of the story.
The black box used by the characters to conduct the lottery symbolizes the residents’ distorted ideas of justice. It also shows how outdated traditions can persist in society, hindering its development. When Jackson writes about the box, she always mentions its black color. The author gives a detailed account of how this object “grew shabbier each year” (Jackson 2). Despite the dilapidation of the box, it holds tremendous power to control the destinies of the villagers. Similarly, many social laws adopted many years ago and remaining in force can destroy the lives of those who fall under their action.
Old Man Warner is a character who symbolizes the thoughtless adherence to tradition. He believes in justice for what happens in the village. In response to Mr. Adams’ comment that some places have already abolished the lottery, Old Man Warner says that he sees it as “nothing but trouble” (Jackson 4). The hero is convinced that the abandonment of this tradition will lead to a return to wild times. This is ironic, for, on the contrary, it is the killing of innocent people with stones that is absolute barbarism. Old Man Warner is a symbol of savagery; through this character, the author shows how easily evil can arise in people’s souls. In essence, the villagers justify murder with tradition – the need to follow a norm established many years ago makes them forget that the victims of their arbitrariness are those with whom they have lived side by side.
In addition, there is a certain symbolism associated with the use of numbers in the story. For example, Old Man Warner managed to avoid the lottery by living to the age of 77. The number seven in American and worldwide tradition means good luck. The doubling of this numeral indicates a double dose of blessing that this character receives. When his last name is announced, the hero twice tells everyone in the crowd that it is his “seventy-seventh time” (Jackson 5). It is interesting that while being a man who so strongly supports the preservation of tradition in the village, he at the same time managed to avoid his participation in this. Perhaps the author wants to show that if he were in the place of those who were unlucky, Old Man Warner would change his mind about the lottery.
Jackson’s use of symbolism was driven by the author’s desire to initiate a more profound response in her readers. The numbers, characters, and objects mentioned in the text are elements of the story that help deepen understanding of its meaning. In addition, the vagueness of the symbols allows for an ambiguous interpretation of their meaning, which creates space for readers to think creatively about the short story’s plot. Shirley Jackson’s use of symbolism makes the narrative more colorful and helps in revealing the societal and political issues that exist in the village.