Indoctrination In Bobby Martin's Short Story 'The Lottery'

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In the short story “The Lottery”, the children remain ignorant of the actual detrimental consequences that ensue from the lottery due to the use of indoctrination teachings from higher authorities. This is first indicated when the children assemble around the town square with Bobby Martin’s pockets “already stuffed… full of stones, and the other boys soon follow[ing] his example, select[ing] the smoothest and roundest stones.” (1) The children are clearly aware of the social hierarchy within the town as they all follow Bobby Martin’s actions rather than pursue their own beliefs and values. This habitual action is a result of the indoctrination teachings that have been inculcated within every child. Because everyone else has accepted the long

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