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Symbolism in The Lottery

nts the death that it brings to the community as well as a worn out tradition. The box is mentioned repeatedly throughout the story, which is a sign of its importance, although we are kept in the dark about its ultimate function until the very end. It is described as "no longer completely black but splintered badly along one side to show the original wood color, and in some places [is] faded or stained." (Jackson 75). This seems to also describe the lottery itself- old, faded, and stained with the blood of all those who have died in years past. Ironically, the black box used in the story was said not to be the original box and the papers that they used were substitutes for the old wood chips. This is a sign that the tradition is so old and meaningless that it can be constantly added to or taken away from. "Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box[and] every year the subject was allowed to fade off without anything being done" (Jackson 75). Perhaps Mr. Summers's idea symbolizes a need for a new tradition. The diverse characters within the story represent various views and ideas in a symbolic manner. "The lottery was conducted-as were the square dances, the teen-age club, the Halloween program-by Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities"(Jackson 74). The last name 'Summers' can obviously be connected to the season of summer, he also runs a coal business, his wife is always scolding him, and with his round jovial face he seems to represent something cheery and light, like the sun. His character seems to Illuminate the surface tone of the story while at the same time underscores the ultimate irony. The adjectives used within the story to describe his demeanor were of particular interest, for example "one hand resting carelessly on the black boxas he talked interminable to Mr. Graves"(Jackson ...

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