The Lottery
"The Lottery" by Shirley JacksonFirst released in The New Yorker in 1948, The Lottery is a masterwork of grim atmosphere and troubling themes. The story of a small village lottery -- the winner of which will be stoned to death -- it almost singlehandedly created the modern concept of gothic horror thanks to its gloomy atmosphere and use of thought-provoking, disturbing irony.…