The Symbols of the Lottery

Author’s note: This fine day I am writing a response to the short story “The Lottery.” I’m writing about the symbolism of the black box.

            When I think of the lottery I think cash and being lucky. For the people in the short story “The Lottery.” It was the exact opposite. People gathered from all through the land to witness the lottery. “When he arrived in the square, carrying the black wooden box, there was a murmur of conversation among the villagers, and he waved and called, "Little late today, folks." The postmaster, Mr. Graves, followed him, carrying a three- legged stool, and the stool was put in the center of the square and Mr. Summers set the black box down on it. The villagers kept their distance, leaving a space between themselves and the stool, and when Mr. Summers said, "Some of you fellows want to give me a hand?" there was a hesitation before two men, Mr. Martin and his oldest son, Baxter, came forward to hold the box steady on the stool while Mr. Summers stirred up the papers inside it.” The box symbolized death and sorrow. No one even wanted to be by it. As you can see above; the lottery of this town is something you didn’t want to win.