A lottery is a game of chance in which numbers are drawn for prizes. It is a popular form of gambling and is often used to raise money for public purposes, such as building schools, roads, and hospitals. The word is derived from the Dutch noun lot, meaning “fate.” It has been popular in Europe since the 17th century and is usually run by state governments. In the United States, each state has its own lottery program, which is regulated by law and overseen by a lottery board or commission. Other examples of lotteries include the drawing for units in subsidized housing or kindergarten placements at a public school.
One of the major themes in Shirley Jackson’s short story, The Lottery, is family. This theme is important because it demonstrates how families can turn on each other. The family members in this story show no loyalty to Tessie Hutchinson and do not stand up for her when she is being stoned to death. This shows how corrupt democracy can be when everyone is out for themselves.
Another important theme in this story is tradition. Old Man Warner is a conservative force in the story and is trying to uphold traditions. He believes that the lottery was originally meant for human sacrifices to improve the crops. The fact that he is adamant about this proves that traditions are not always good.