In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," the main conflict arises between the individual, represented by the character Tessie Hutchinson, and the societal norms and traditions of the village. The story presents a community that adheres to a ritualistic lottery that culminates in a shocking act of violence—the stoning of one individual, chosen at random, as a sacrifice to ensure a good harvest.
Tessie Hutchinson's conflict with society is primarily illustrated through her growing awareness and rejection of the barbaric tradition. At the beginning of the story, she participates in the lottery like everyone else, but as the reality of her selection as the victim unfolds, she protests the fairness of the process. Her exclamations of "It isn't fair, it isn't right!" highlight her realization of the senselessness and cruelty of the ritual.
This internal struggle reflects a broader theme of individuality versus conformity. Tessie represents the voice of dissent in a society that prioritizes tradition over compassion. Her eventual fate serves as a commentary on the dangers of blindly following societal norms without questioning their morality. Ultimately, her conflict embodies the tension between personal ethics and the collective acceptance of violence, challenging readers to consider the implications of conformity and the cost of tradition within their own societies.