Shirley Jackson, born December 14, 1916, devoted a large part of her life to writing short stories and novels. Some of them include The Sundial, The Haunting of Hill House, and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Jackson's stories, inspiring and influential to most, are also controversial to some. His most controversial story, published in 1948 in the New Yorker, is "The Lottery." The purpose of writing the story varies depending on the reader, but some might say that it "expresses Shirley Jackson's appalling opinion of her fellow human beings" (Coulthard 228). Whatever the purpose, "The Lottery" remains one of the most famous stories to date. Despite the controversy, readers also notice the underlying symbols and themes that are prevalent throughout the story, including the role of obedience. The role of obedience is seen through the encounters of characters including Old Man Warner and Tessie Hutchinson. The first person who arises and presents the role of obedience is Old Man Warner. Old Man Warner, being the oldest in the small town where the lottery is held, has survived more lotteries than any other person in his village. As Warner says: “This has been my seventy-seventh year in the lottery. Seventy-seventh time” (Jackson 266). Jackson uses Warner's perspective on his continued good luck to add drama to the long period he has experienced. You could say that Warner's luck is a coincidence that he has the most obedient person and is practically the only person who doesn't want to get rid of the lottery. Others, however, might say that this is a direct correlation and that Warner is not chosen in lotteries because he obeys tradition and God rewards him... middle of paper. .. very.'" Explanator 48 (1990): 226-28. MLA International Bibliography. Ebscohost Library, Beaumont, February 22, 2007. Grifiin, Amy A. "Jackson's 'The Lottery'". Explanator 58 (1999). 46. ​​MLA International Bibliography. Mary and John Gray Library, Beaumont, February 22, 2007. Jackson, Shirley: Introduction to Fiction, Poetry and Drama, Ed. MLA International Bibliography. . Ebscohost. Mary and John Gray Library, Beaumont March 5, 2007. Yarmove, Jay A. "Jackson's 'The Lottery'." Ebscohost. Mary and John Gray Library, Beaumont. February 22. 2007.