A Book Review of The Lottery

The lottery is a form of gambling that relies on chance to award prizes. It is a popular way to raise money for public projects and has been around for thousands of years. Its popularity has not been without controversy though. Some argue that it promotes addiction and can be harmful to society, while others believe that it is an effective way to raise funds for government programs.

Regardless of the arguments against it, there is no doubt that lotteries are here to stay. They are a part of many cultures worldwide and are used to fund everything from building roads and schools to supporting religious institutions. They are also a source of entertainment for millions of people.

While the author of this short story does not provide much background on the history of the lottery, he is quick to point out that the modern version began in New Hampshire in 1964. Since then, thirteen states have adopted state lotteries. He argues that this happened when a growing awareness of the amount of money to be made in the lottery business collided with a crisis in state funding. In the late nineteen-sixties, rising population and inflation combined with the costs of the Vietnam War caused budget deficits that were impossible to balance without raising taxes or cutting public services.

Rather than facing these choices, most state governments turned to the lottery. Whether motivated by moral or pragmatic concerns, the idea was that as people were going to gamble anyway, why not let the state profit from it? This argument had its limits, of course, but it did give moral cover to a wide range of people who approved of the lottery.

One of the most interesting aspects of this story is how it depicts family dynamics. It shows how different families react to the lottery and what it means to them. The head of the Hutchinson family is concerned about her family’s safety and quotes a traditional rhyme, “Lottery in June/Corn be heavy soon.” Her sons, on the other hand, do not share her sentiments and seem to be more interested in winning the prize.

In the end, it is the father who wins the lottery. He demonstrates how important family is and that even when you are not in the same place, it is still important to be there for one another. This is a lesson that all of us can learn from.

While the lottery is a popular pastime in the United States, it is important to understand its risks before you play. If you have a gambling addiction, seeking help is the best option. There are many treatment centers in the United States that can help you get back on track. You can find a program that is right for you by visiting a website like http://www.gamblingaddictioncentersusa.com/. The staff at these centers will help you develop a plan to beat your addiction. They can also teach you coping skills to help you deal with your gambling addiction.