the lottery
...r parents and pass the rotten tradition to their own sons and daughters. Tradition is the guide of ignorance. Such a sentence can be well interpreted in this circumstance. Children are inclined to follow the examples the parent sets forth and once such a thought exists in their minds, it will be hard for them to remove it as the old brain path is convenient for them. So that is the reason why all the villagers advocate the ancient custom. Although the box is already old enough, the villagers are not disposed to change it for a new one because they all feel accustomed to it. From this trivial aspect, we can perceive the conservative villagers¡¯ dislike of accepting new things, even a new box. In my opinion, the old box has its own symbolic meaning here which can reflect the reality we are facing now. The old box symbolizes the value system that is out of fashion. Even now, many people always stick to the way of perceiving the world they learned when they were young. Concerning little about whether the way is still effective or not, they just do not let it go. Since the accumulation of knowledge is increasing everyday, it is quite possible that some of the traditions are of use. As a result of it, we do not deny the importance of keeping a tradition because that is part of our culture and our root. However, on the other hand, we need to judge the origin of the tradition and do not follow it blindly, or the world will lose its motivity to progress. Then let¡¯s focus on something else the short story reveals to us. Jackson uses this character, Tessie Hutchinson, to comment on the sacrificial role that women play in American society. Such a point can be well illustrated in ¡°The Lottery¡±. Tessie was late for the lottery and she explains that it is all because she is busy with her housework. It is just the same as in the reality. Many women sacrifice themselves in the domesticity with no complain try them best to make the family in harmony. However, the society doesn¡¯t offer them the fair statue in social activities based on their contribution. Women are always disfranchised and the decisive power is held firmly by men. The situation in that village can also reflect this point. ¡°Daughters draw with their husbands' families.¡± The sentence illustrated shows that women¡¯s fates are decided by their husbands other than themselves. They do not even have the ability to control their own destinies. Thinking of what they do for the society, you must feel sad for the role women play. However, most women take such unfairness for granted, as that Mrs. Dunbar's and Mrs. Delacroix's references to their husbands as their "old men" suggests. Power in the village, then, is exclusively consolidated into the hands of male heads of families and households. So Jackson portrays the sacrifice ...