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Please read the story attached “The Lottery” and write half a page about the following topic: One of the messages that Jackson suggests in the story is that all people are savage. Is Jackson correct in her suggestion that people are savage? Why or why not? Explain your answer, and, if possible, use evidence from the story to support your argument. The question is not whether the people in this village are savage, but if people, in reality, are savage.

Paper For Above Instructions

Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery” unfolds a chilling narrative that invites readers to contemplate the darker aspects of human nature. One of the central themes that emerge from the story is the suggestion that all people possess a savage inclination. Jackson effectively illustrates this theme through her portrayal of a seemingly ordinary village that engages in a brutal tradition. The question of whether Jackson is correct in suggesting that people are inherently savage offers an opportunity to explore the complexities of human behavior, tradition, and morality.

Jackson’s depiction of the villagers' active participation in the lottery serves as a commentary on societal norms and the inherent savagery that can arise when individuals conform to tradition without question. The lottery, shrouded in secrecy and ritual, reflects a disturbing compliance with customs that are, at their core, devoid of moral consideration. As the villagers gather for the lottery, the atmosphere is characterized by a sense of normalcy, but this normalcy quickly deteriorates into a horrific act of violence. The villagers, who appear friendly and communal at first, reveal their savage nature when they collectively turn against Tessie Hutchinson, the story’s protagonist.

One of the most striking indicators of savagery within the villagers is their desensitization to violence. The casual manner in which they engage in the lottery underscores a troubling acceptance of brutality. For instance, when Tessie Hutchinson’s name is drawn, rather than showing compassion or hesitation, the villagers swiftly comply with the established tradition. This reaction illustrates the terrifying capacity for humans to act savagely when they are entrenched in a system that promotes such behavior. The phrase “they were upon her” at the end of the story signifies not just the physical attack on Tessie but also the culmination of collective savagery that lies within the human psyche when societal pressures override individual morality (Jackson).

Some may argue that the villagers are simply products of their environment, raised in a culture that values tradition over ethics. While this perspective sheds light on the influence of societal structures, it does not absolve the individuals of responsibility for their actions. Jackson’s story highlights how deeply ingrained customs can perpetuate violence and instill savagery in otherwise ordinary people. By illustrating a community that participates in horrific acts without critical questioning, Jackson prompts readers to reflect on the nature of humanity itself. Are we, too, capable of savagery when confronted with tradition and social conformity?

Furthermore, the concept of “otherness” plays a significant role in Jackson’s assertion of inherent savagery. Throughout history, numerous societies have marginalized individuals or groups based on arbitrary characteristics—whether it be race, religion, or ideology. In “The Lottery,” Tessie represents the “other” who is singled out by the group. This vilification of the individual exposes the innate savagery that can awaken when a collective seeks to uphold norms at the expense of an individual’s life and rights. The villagers' willingness to sacrifice one of their own for the sake of tradition embodies a disturbing reality: the potential for savagery exists in all humans, often dormant until ignited by situational contexts.

Moreover, the concept of violence as a form of social bonding is central to Jackson's argument. The villagers' participation in the lottery serves as a grotesque form of communion, reinforcing their connection through shared brutality. This camaraderie built on collective violence illustrates the dangerous blend of loyalty to tradition and the savage impulses that lie beneath civilized facades. Jackson adeptly demonstrates that the potential for savagery exists in the fabric of social contracts; it is in the unquestioning adherence to tradition that individuals can lose their moral compass and resort to inhuman acts.

In conclusion, Shirley Jackson’s assertion that people are inherently savage is not merely a commentary on the villagers in “The Lottery” but a broader reflection on human nature itself. The villagers’ participation in the lottery reveals profound insights into how societal norms can enable individuals to commit acts of cruelty without hesitation. The savage tendencies that Jackson reveals within the narrative compel readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their own capabilities when faced with social expectations. “The Lottery” ultimately serves as both a cautionary tale and a mirror reflecting the darker aspects of humanity, reminding us that savagery can lurk beneath the surface of even the most civilized societies.

References

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