"Lottery Ticket" is a short story by Langston Hughes that explores the themes of hope and dreams. The narrative follows a young man who buys a lottery ticket, imagining how his life would change if he won. He dreams of wealth, freedom, and a better future for himself and his family. As the story unfolds, the young man grapples with the reality of his situation and the fleeting nature of dreams. The ticket symbolizes both the possibility of change and the uncertainty of life, highlighting the contrast between aspiration and reality in the pursuit of happiness.