The Lottery By Shirley Jackson Violence Analysis

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Mr. Adams illustrates the idea that violence is primitive to humans, as he is one of the first to throw stones later. Tessie Hutchinson, this year’s randomly selected victim, continuously cries out “It isn’t fair” (Jackson 4), but is ignored by her community. Her own friend Mrs. Delacroix tells her “to be a good sport” (Jackson 3), when Tessie cries out in disagreement in what is about to happen. Tessie’s own husband, Bill Hutchinson, silences her as she cries about the outcome, and then continues to take part in the lottery, disregarding the fact that his own wife is about to be killed. The community conforms as a group and turns on her to stone her. The annual occurrence of this process, exemplifies their acceptance of violence, since the lottery …show more content…

It is troubling to realize no one among the community comes forward to go against the lottery. But the townspeople’s lack of actions is something similar that has occurred many times in history. This acceptance of violence that Shirley demonstrates mirrors the Germans during the Holocaust who did nothing to end the horrors the Jews endured. The murder of Kitty Genovese is another example of community members remaining silent and accepting the violent behavior occurring during an inhumane act, further demonstrating the dangerous effects of social groups. In 1964, social psychology was transformed when “38 witnesses watched from their apartments in Queens, New York and then failed to intervene while Kitty Genovese was murdered on the street” (Manning 1). So many people witnessed the murder occur, but no one came forward to help Kitty Genovese, just like how no one came forward to help Tessie Hutchinson. The lack of

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