The annual lottery in the story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson holds a deep religious symbolism that can be compared to ancient religious practices and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This religious symbolism can be seen through the act of sacrificing a member of the community.
In many ancient civilizations, human sacrifice was a common religious practice believed to appease the gods and ensure a good harvest or other favorable outcomes. The lottery in the story reflects this idea of sacrifice to please a higher power. The villagers gather together to perform the lottery ritual, much like ancient communities would come together for their religious ceremonies. This communal participation highlights the significance and seriousness of the event.
Furthermore, the act of sacrificing a member of the community in the lottery can be seen as a parallel to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Christianity. According to Christian beliefs, Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. This act of sacrifice allowed mankind to be forgiven and redeemed. Similarly, in “The Lottery,” the chosen individual is sacrificed for the perceived benefit of the community as a whole.
The religious symbolism in the lottery is also evident in the rituals and traditions associated with the event. The black box, which holds the slips of paper with the villagers’ names, is treated with reverence and is said to be made from parts of the original box used in the first lottery. This box represents a sacred object, much like religious relics or artifacts that hold significance in various faiths.
Additionally, the stones used in the stoning of the chosen individual have religious connotations. Stoning has been used as a form of punishment in many religious texts and traditions, including the Bible. It is a violent act that symbolizes judgment and retribution. In “The Lottery,” the stoning of the chosen individual can be seen as a form of purification or cleansing for the community, similar to how sins are believed to be cleansed through the crucifixion of Jesus.
The tradition of the lottery itself can be seen as a religious ritual that reinforces the belief system of the community. It is deeply ingrained in their culture and is passed down from generation to generation. The villagers participate in the lottery without questioning its purpose or significance, much like followers of a religious faith adhere to their rituals and traditions.
The religious symbolism in “The Lottery” is multifaceted and can be compared to ancient religious practices and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The act of sacrificing a member of the community, the rituals and traditions associated with the lottery, and the parallels to ancient religious practices and the crucifixion all contribute to the religious symbolism present in the story. This symbolism serves to highlight the power of blind adherence to traditions and the potential dangers of unquestioningly following religious rituals.