In "The Lottery," Shirley Jackson uses symbolism to make us aware of the pointless nature of humanity regarding tradition and violence. The story starts off on a beautiful summer day in a small town with a population of only three hundred. The author describes the day as very euphoric, but contrasts between the atmosphere of the town, and the atmosphere of the people gathered in the square. The atmosphere is subdued, where the children are gathered around quietly. They are also collecting stones, which are used for the stoning in the end.
             The central theme or idea of the story is the black box. It symbolizes some type of mystery, but as we read the ending we realize that it can only mean certain doom. Someone's fate lies in an inanimate object; the black box. We do not always enjoy change, even if it might prove beneficial to us. The box is symbolic of our hate of change. It shows that we cling to what is familiar rather than change, and it also symbolizes the traditions of the community. No one in the little town questions the origin of the black box, but accept it as an intrical part of their lives.
             The lottery itself is symbolic between compassion on one hand, and the thirst for violence and cruelty on the other. An example of this is when the children are enjoying a break from school, playing and being children, and suddenly "rational" adults are joining them in stoning a mother to death. It appears that tradition has blinded these people in an irrational way, making them unable to think of a reason why this possibly should not be happening.
             When forced with the possibility of death, human nature kicks in, and urges us to survive. When Tessie was in no danger she was gossiping with the other ladies and even encouraged her husband to go and pick a piece of paper. When Tessie wins the lottery, she pleads for her life and screams for mercy. She demands that her daught
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