Analysis Of Quotes From The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

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Quotes
Analysis

“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.”

This quote shows the reluctance of the townspeople to disrupt tradition by replacing something fundamental to the lottery, with the exception of Mr. Summers.

“There was a story that the present box had been made with some pieces of the box that had preceded it, the one that had been constructed when the first people settled down to make a village here”

It is likely that the black box had pieces of previous boxes used in its construction, as it is unlikely that the townspeople would willingly let any part of the tradition die. This symbolises …show more content…
The condition of the box reflects the some of the townspeople, they don’t believe in the lottery.

"It had spent one year in Mr. Graves's barn and another year underfoot in the post office and sometimes it was set on a shelf in the Martin grocery and left there"

The black box is always there, a reminder and warning of what happens in June, it won’t be forgotten, and will only reinforce their beliefs.

Old Man Warner

Quotes
Analysis

“Used to be a saying about 'Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.' First thing you know, we'd all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns"

Old man Warner is the only person to give a reason for the lottery. The townspeople are reluctant to let this belief die, even if it's not backed by logic or proof.

“The black box now resting on the stool had been put into use even before Old Man Warner, the oldest man in town, was born”

The black box precedes the oldest man in town, it has survived over 77 years, the townspeople refuse to replace the black box regardless of it’s condition or age.

“There's always been a
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