The lottery is a method of giving away money or goods by drawing lots. Its origins date back centuries. Moses and the Roman emperors used lotteries to divide land or slaves, while in modern times, states use them to raise funds for public projects like roads, bridges, colleges, and hospitals. Some people play the lottery to win a big prize, while others do it for the fun and excitement of winning. Regardless of motives, lotteries can have serious negative consequences for society. This article will examine the history and impact of the lottery, as well as some of the issues it raises.
Shirley Jackson’s short story The Lottery focuses on a small town in America where tradition and custom dominate the population. It is a dark tale that exposes the many sins of humanity. Throughout the story, the reader feels a sense of dread and fear as they watch the proceedings in the village. The characters in the story are all shown as being deeply rooted in hypocrisy and wickedness.
The first step in a lottery is to have some means of recording who has placed bets and the amounts staked by each. This may take the form of tickets that are deposited for shuffling and drawing, or even of numbered receipts that are tallied by computers and then selected in the draw. Then the number or symbols on the selected tickets must be verified and announced to the winner. A percentage of the pool is typically deducted for administration, promotion and other costs while a portion is given to the winner.
