Through the denunciation of a blind following of traditional practices, The Lottery by Shirley Jackson (1948) can be read as a critique to willful ignorance. By showcasing a society where every year, in June, a lottery is held to decide someone to be killed by stoning. They do this, as it supposedly ensures the corn harvest will be abundant. Through this story, Jackson highlights the importance of taking a critical approach to the well established systems and traditions of society.