A system of public or private funding for various projects, by distributing prizes according to chance through drawing lots. Lotteries are typically conducted by state governments, although privately run lotteries also exist. Prizes range from cash to goods and services, such as vacations, cars, and college tuition.
Making decisions and determining fates by casting lots has a long record in human history (and is mentioned several times in the Bible). Lotteries have become popular, however, as a way to raise money for public projects without taxation. Governments cite a variety of arguments in favor of lottery funding, including that players willingly spend their own money and will therefore support the project; that it is a “painless” source of revenue, since no direct taxes are involved; and that the winners can choose to invest the winnings in projects of public interest.
In the story, the villagers gather in the square for the annual lottery. Mr. Summers, a widower, is the organizer and master of ceremonies for this year’s event. He carries the black box with him, which he says contains pieces from an older box; the villagers respect the sense of tradition conferred by this box and its predecessors.
As they begin to draw, the villagers are oblivious to the fact that Tessie Hutchinson is in danger of becoming the next victim. She is the last person to be selected, and she does not oppose the lottery until the villagers turn against her. The villagers then hurl stones at her, killing her. This is a chilling story that illustrates the power of blind acceptance to allow an unjust practice to take hold, with tragic results.