The Casket Lottery
The Casket Lottery is a short story by Shirley Jackson that explores themes of tradition and conformity. Set in a small village, the story revolves around an annual ritual where villagers draw lots to determine who will be sacrificed for the sake of a good harvest. The event is steeped in superstition, and the townspeople participate without questioning its morality.
As the story unfolds, the tension builds around the lottery's outcome. The chosen individual faces a grim fate, highlighting the dangers of blindly following tradition. Jackson's narrative serves as a powerful commentary on societal norms and the human capacity for violence.