The story takes place within a single day in a bucolic small-town setting. The villagers gather in the town square for their annual lottery. They sort themselves into nuclear families. Then Mr. Summers, the organizer and master of ceremonies, introduces himself. He carries a black wooden box and sets it on a three-legged stool in the center of the square. He explains that the present lottery paraphernalia is a relic from an even older lottery. The villagers respect the sense of tradition conferred on the box.
The word “lottery” is thought to come from the Dutch noun lijmt, meaning “fate” or “chance.” The first state-sponsored lotteries were held in the Low Countries during the 15th century to raise funds for building walls and town fortifications. Roman emperors also used lotteries to give away property and slaves.
After each family has chosen a slip, Mr. Summers reads the names of the winning numbers. A general sigh is let out when little Dave’s paper is revealed to be blank. Nancy and Bill’s are also blank. Finally, Tessie’s bears a black spot, making her the winner.
The villagers slap each other on the back and cheer, and a sense of relief sweeps through the crowd. But Tessie’s plight underscores the destructive nature of blind conformity and the danger that ordinary people can become perpetrators of violence when they impose their will on those who do not share their beliefs. Her fate serves as a warning that progress and justice require critical thinking and a willingness to question and challenge outdated traditions.