45 pages • 1 hour read
The Lottery
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Summary and Study Guide
Summary: “The Lottery”
"The Lottery" (1948) is a work of dystopian horror by writer Shirley Jackson. Though its bleak depiction of tradition and small-town life sparked consternation when it was first published, it has since become a classic American short story and has been anthologized and adapted many times. Jackson herself is also widely recognized as a key figure in the 20th-century mystery and horror genres—so much so that an award for horror, dark fantasy, and/or psychological suspense is now named after her. Besides "The Lottery," her best-known works include The Haunting of Hill House (1959) and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962).
Plot Summary
The story takes place on June 27. The weather is warm and pleasant as townsfolk, 300 strong, begin to fill the main square of the unnamed community where the story unfolds. Boys collect smooth, round stones into piles, which they guard; girls stand to one side, talking. Men gather and discuss their farms; the women appear soon after, chatting quietly among themselves.
Mr. Summers officiates; he’s the master of ceremonies at most public events in town.
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