The lottery by shirley jackson conflict – The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, a gripping and unsettling tale, delves into the complexities of conflict within a small village. This conflict, both external and internal, shapes the narrative, revealing the dark underbelly of human nature and the consequences of blindly adhering to tradition.
At its core, the story revolves around the annual lottery, a ritual that masks a sinister secret. The conflict between the villagers and Tessie Hutchinson, the unfortunate winner, exposes the clash between tradition and individuality. As the story unfolds, readers witness the psychological toll the lottery takes on Tessie and the villagers, leaving them to grapple with guilt, fear, and the weight of responsibility.
Introduction: The Lottery By Shirley Jackson Conflict
The conflict in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is a complex and multifaceted one. It revolves around the villagers’ adherence to a seemingly senseless tradition that results in the stoning of a randomly chosen individual. This conflict is significant because it highlights the dangers of blindly following tradition and the consequences of groupthink.
External Conflict
The external conflict in the story is between the villagers and Tessie Hutchinson. The villagers are determined to uphold the tradition of the lottery, even though they do not fully understand its purpose. Tessie, on the other hand, questions the lottery and its value.
This conflict leads to her being chosen as the victim of the lottery.
The role of tradition and superstition in the conflict is significant. The villagers are deeply rooted in their traditions, and they believe that the lottery is necessary to appease some unknown force. Tessie’s questioning of the lottery is seen as a threat to the community’s beliefs.
The consequences of the conflict are devastating for both the villagers and Tessie. The villagers are left to question their beliefs and the value of their tradition. Tessie’s death serves as a warning to those who would challenge the established order.
Internal Conflict
The internal conflict in the story is within Tessie Hutchinson. She struggles with her own fears and guilt about the lottery. She knows that the lottery is wrong, but she is afraid to speak out against it. This internal conflict leads to her eventual downfall.
The themes of fear, guilt, and responsibility are explored in the story. Tessie is afraid of being chosen for the lottery, and she feels guilty for not speaking out against it. She also feels responsible for the death of her husband, who was chosen for the lottery in the past.
The psychological impact of the conflict on Tessie is significant. She is traumatized by the lottery and by her own role in it. She is unable to live with the guilt and shame of her actions.
Social Conflict, The lottery by shirley jackson conflict
The social conflict in the story is between the villagers and outsiders. The villagers are closed-minded and suspicious of outsiders. They believe that outsiders are a threat to their community and their way of life.
The role of conformity and groupthink in the conflict is significant. The villagers are all under pressure to conform to the group’s beliefs and values. Anyone who questions the group is ostracized.
The impact of the conflict on the community is devastating. The villagers are divided and distrustful of each other. They are unable to communicate or cooperate effectively.
Symbolic Conflict
The lottery in the story is a symbol of the conflict between the old and the new, tradition and modernity. The villagers are clinging to an outdated tradition that no longer has any meaning or value. Tessie, on the other hand, represents the new and the modern.
She is willing to question tradition and to challenge the status quo.
The ending of the story is significant because it shows that the conflict between the old and the new is ultimately unresolvable. The villagers are unable to let go of their traditions, even though they know that they are harmful.
Tessie’s death serves as a warning to those who would challenge the established order.
Essential Questionnaire
What is the main conflict in The Lottery?
The main conflict is the clash between tradition and individuality, represented by the annual lottery and Tessie Hutchinson’s resistance to it.
How does the lottery impact the villagers?
The lottery fosters a sense of fear, guilt, and conformity among the villagers, leading to their complicity in the ritual’s violence.
What is the significance of the ending of the story?
The ending, where Tessie’s son threatens to stone her, symbolizes the perpetuation of tradition and the chilling effect it has on individuality.
