Introduction
Cultures produce a variety of traditions that represent people’s shared values and experiences. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson focuses on the adverse effects of such communal behavior. While characters involved in the lottery described in the story strengthen their bonds, they also follow harmful practices while refusing to see another perspective. People create long-lasting rituals that reflect their worldviews and transfer them across generations. However, they tend to remain tethered to the time period of their conception, regardless of their influence.
Traditions and Human Behavior
Traditions shape people’s behavior by providing a reference point for shared values within a community. In “The Lottery,” such an attitude can be seen in the sense of belonging among the crowd, as regular chatter regarding chores can be heard across the square (Jackson). These rituals create experiences unique to a group, bringing them closer together while transferring the wisdom of older generations to new ones.
However, traditions can also harm those who follow them. Jackson shows that people felt the significance of the black box, which represented their past. Yet, the link is lost in time since there “used to be a saying” regarding the lottery that no one recalls. The absurdity of the situation signifies the importance of rational thinking above any blind pursuit of old ways.
Changes in Traditions
Societies that value traditions tend to lack the flexibility to consider alternative options when such present themselves. Jackson states that people take the fact that “some places have already quit lotteries” as hostile (Jackson 4). Such communities do not reflect on the possibility of positive changes, fearing that any shift can cause an unknown disruption.
Moreover, the lottery does not appear to change significantly over time. This event keeps society in order, as Jackson writes, and people “will want to go back to living in caves” if not for the lottery (Jackson 4). The author’s revelation at the end of the story shows the adverse influence of traditions. Without change, stagnation can cause irrational behavior to overcome reason and autonomy, and such rituals only perpetuate these issues.
People’s Views on Traditions
Supporters of traditions believe that their ancestors had a solid reason for establishing the existing way of living. These individuals strive to uphold the same environment by following their communities’ shared goals. In the story, people congregate around a common activity without an apparent purpose, regardless of its horrible outcome, hoping to connect with their townsfolk (Jackson).
In turn, modern ways may be perceived as wrong or even hostile to communities focusing on traditions. Jackson reveals that people who disregard their peers’ practices can be publicly ostracized for their wrongful behavior since there is “nothing but trouble in that.” Those who defy old ways can expect to be blamed for misfortunes within their societies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traditions can play a vital part in communities by improving people’s bonds, yet they can be detrimental if followed blindly by the masses. Jackson highlights the connection created during such events, yet also points out that the lack of changes to old ways leads to adverse outcomes. After reading the short story, one can learn how traditions can involve people in harmful activities and perpetuate particular views among groups. However, these same rituals also hold a sense of belonging, causing individuals to perceive them as beneficial regardless of their impact.
Work Cited
Jackson, Shirley. “The Lottery.” The New Yorker, 1948. Web.