Lottery is a form of gambling where people pay money to have a chance at winning a prize. Prizes can range from cash to goods or services. It is often criticized for encouraging addictive behavior and being a regressive tax on lower-income groups. However, supporters argue that it can raise needed revenue and provide a painless way to pay for public projects, including building schools and hospitals.
This short story by Shirley Jackson focuses on a lottery in a small village in America. It depicts a series of events that show how the human species can behave in a very dishonest manner. The main character, Mr. Summers, and his associate, Mr. Graves, prepare to conduct the lottery by gathering all the major families in town. They create a set of tickets, each one marked with the name of a family member.
The lottery begins, and the men take turns picking pieces of paper that will determine the fate of their family members. The head of the Hutchinson family tries to convince Mr. Summers that his family is worthy of a better outcome, but Mr. Summers is unmoved by his pleas.
The choice of a ticket can be made using a number generator, or by selecting numbers on the playslip. Most modern lotteries offer an option to let the computer pick your numbers for you if you want to save time and money. The inclination to overestimate your ability to choose the right numbers is common among lottery players. This is known as the illusion of control, and it explains why some people think that skill can tilt the odds in your favor.