The term scapegoat originates from Biblical times. More specifically, chapter 16 in the book of Leviticus presents the story of Yom Kippur, more commonly and modernly known as the "Day of Atonement." This was a day when man's sins were to be forgiven through strict ritualistic practices. One characteristic of these practices was that two male goats and a ram were to be taken from the Israelite community. Together the goats were for a sin offering (the ram was for a burnt offering). Lots were to be cast for the goats. One lot was for the Lord and the other was for the scapegoat. The goat whose lot was for the Lord would be sacrificed. The other goat, the scapegoat, would remain alive and be sent into the desert to atone for man's sins. In other words, it would bear the weight of man's sins. Centered on this idea of the scapegoat are two well known pieces of literature: The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson, and The Woman Taken in Adultery found in the Book of John and other Gospels of the Bible. In Jackson's Lottery, the scapegoat is represented by the character of Tessie Hutchinson. While in the Biblical anecdote, the scapegoat is represented by the woman accused of adultery. When comparing these two "scapegoat stricken individuals" and their relationships with the other characters in their respective stories, it becomes clear that man is innately evil, and the irritation of that itch that is characteristic of all mankind is dealt with by man's undying need to have someone else to blame (bear the burden) for his inherent iniquity.
             Mrs. Hutchinson's development as the scapegoat in The Lottery is rather interesting. Before the lots are cast Mrs. Hutchinson is all laughs. She shows up last to the meeting and then cracks jokes in front of the entire village. She proclaims, "Get up there, Bill," to her husband when their family name is called. No one else really speaks at all during th...