Lottery
A lottery is a game of chance where people spend money on a ticket. If the numbers on the ticket match those that are drawn by a machine, you win prizes. In some countries, lottery winners get to choose between a cash payment or a lump sum.
Lottery history
The first known European lotteries were held during the Roman Empire as a form of amusement. The first lotteries organized by governments were held in France and England during the 1500s, though the French lottery was banned by King Francis I in the 17th century.
Despite the popularity of lotteries, they are not necessarily good for society.
The lottery is a risky game of luck, and those who win can find themselves worse off than they were before.
In some countries, lottery winnings are taxed as income, so people should be aware of this before buying a ticket. Moreover, purchasing more than one ticket may not be worth the money spent on them.
Behavioral economists disagree about whether or not people who buy lotteries are motivated by expected value maximization, but it is not impossible to explain their purchases through models that consider other factors other than the outcome of the lottery.
The Lottery is a Story of Tradition and Hypocrisy
In this short story, Shirley Jackson explores the concept of tradition and how it can affect a person’s life. Through Tessie Hutchinson’s rebellion, Jackson portrays the dangers of a tradition that does not seem fair to the villagers. In addition to this, the story also portrays the villagers’ hypocrisy towards those who don’t participate in this ritual.