For fans of the Hunger Games and other dystopian novels, Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is how it all began. The short story, originally published in 1948, was a major influence for many of the works that have become popular in contemporary fiction. This chilling and suspenseful piece starts on a seemingly ordinary June day. Language rich with description clearly establishes Jackson’s small town setting. As the plot develops, the author begins to allude to the “lottery” which is an annual event. She never explicitly reveals the true nature of the lottery, an unsettling conclusion which readers must come to on their own.
Having read “The Lottery,” it is easy to see how Jackson’s work inspired “The Hunger Games”. In a way, her story is more frightening because the reader does not get a chance to make any connection to the characters or the ritual of the lottery. There is no hope embedded in the story, as it is clear that the lottery has gone on for years and will continue to do so. The story lacks a hero, too; no Katniss Everdeen to start a rebellion or save the day. Though disturbing, its strength is the despair it instills, and even more frightening, how it reflects the violent capabilities of man.
We were captivated by the story, and had to wonder what is it about the violence and evil in humankind that has managed to captivate so many readers. Why do readers flock to books that focus on human violence and malicious ritual like “The Hunger Games”? We think what is so poignant about “The Lottery” is how engrained the ritual of the lottery is in this town. Without question, the lottery happens every year and is viewed more as a tradition than a crime. This continuity instills a sense of helplessness in the reader and begs the question of humankind’s capability. The story emphasizes the fact that even the most horrifying acts can become nothing more than a mundane ritual. The desensitization of the lottery is the most chilling part of the story.
“The Lottery” is the literary counterpart to the dystopian craze that has overtaken the popular fiction of today. For any fan of the Hunger Games, this story is not to be missed.