In at least one hundred words, explain how Shirley Jackson uses symbolism to express a theme in her short story "The Lottery." Use evidence from the story to support your answer.

Symbolism, as a literary device, is the use of symbols to present ideas.

The ideas and qualities are given symbolic meaning, which differs from their literal meaning.

In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", the most obvious symbol is the lottery itself. The lottery is an annual event that has been taking place for decades.

Every year, a murder happens during the lottery, but the villagers got used to it and maintain this tradition. They do not even consider ending the lottery. The lottery thus serves as a symbol for any tradition that is accepted and blindly followed, even if it is evidently cruel and bizarre.

Another symbol present in the story is the black box. The black box is falling apart, but the villagers refuse to replace it with a new box. They believe the box was made from the older black box, hence it should be preserved. Their refusal to change the black box reflects their refusal to end the lottery itself. It is easier for the villagers to blindly follow tradition, even if there is no particular reason for it.