Symbolism in The Lottery: The use of symbolism is imperative in revealing the deeper meaning behind a story and shedding light on concealed information. In The Lottery, the primary symbol that epitomizes the essence of the story is the black box. Serving as a significant symbol, the black box represents the unyielding tradition of the lottery that nobody dares to alter.
The tradition that this town holds is represented by the black box. Its significance lies in the continuation of the lottery practice, which is followed simply because it has always been done. The origins and purpose of this tradition are never questioned; it is simply a habit that everyone in the town anticipates each year. Similar to how the box is stored on a shelf and forgotten until the next year, the tradition itself is also forgotten until it resurfaces annually.
The black box appears worn and faded, clearly indicating the need for a replacement. However, there is a lack of initiative to replace it. Similarly, the tradition of the lottery also appears outdated and in need of modernization. While some individuals in the town may recognize this, no action is taken to address it. Perhaps they briefly contemplate it on the day of the lottery in late June, but it quickly fades from their thoughts until the following year. These individuals will persist with any practice as long as it remains their tradition.
The children are taught to accept the lottery as a matter of fact, even collecting stones for the stoning without question. Likewise, it is likely that future generations will continue to preserve the aged and worn black box. They will not perceive the necessity of replacing it, just as the tradition itself remains resistant to change. These children will likely grow up unaware of the true inhumanity underlying this tradition and will pass it down to their own children. The entire society appears oblivious to the possibility of change, as it would entail forsaking their beloved tradition. They even criticize another town for discontinuing the lottery.
However, the tradition of the lottery is altered in one aspect: the wood chips are substituted with paper. This modification is made to ensure the longevity of the tradition for future generations. While some may perceive this alteration as a sign of change, it actually perpetuates the tradition, even though the method of stoning may also adapt in the future to accommodate larger populations. In time, paper may even be replaced by a computer system, yet the lottery will continue to thrive in the forthcoming years.
The main symbol in The Lottery is the black box, which signifies the unchanging tradition of the lottery. Like the people in this town, the box remains tattered and undervalued, symbolizing their flawed morals. While they view their actions as tradition, outsiders would perceive them as tattered and flawed, much like the box that perpetuates their meaningless lottery.
