Shirley Jackson’s comment on society is that people are selfish. Everyone can be friends one moment, but betray one another the next. When Miss Hutchinson came in late, every one laughed light heartedly about her joke with leaving the dishes in the sink. However, prior to this, every child was playfully gathering stones to later throw at Miss Hutchinson.
It was also mentioned that the villagers did not know about the origins of the black box. However, they simply continue it because it has been like that for generations. They do not question whether it is ethical, they talk about removing it, but no one takes it upon themselves to take action. The cycle repeats every year when the black box is taken out once again with a new victim soon to be chosen.
Shirley Jackson starts off the story with a description of a day like any other. The sun is shining and the children are on summer vacation. The residents want to get the lottery over with quickly and resume their daily activities. However, how can they simply stone someone and then go one with their lives. It seems as though Jackson is trying to say that many crimes take place every day, but no one does anything about it.
