The theme being that it is human nature to blindly follow practices, policies and traditions until one feels the negative effects. For example in “The Lottery,” the character Tessie Hutchinson follows in the footsteps of her family and neighbors by participating in the town lottery. However, it was not until she was unjustly sentenced to death that she began to deny the practice. Watching her neighbors and family gather around her, armed with stones, she began to plead, “It’s not fair, it’s not right” (36). Moreover, even in contemporary society, we can observe these particular behaviors. When the question of war or violence arises, it is the loudest voices that make the decision; even if the silent voices of the majority support another voice. They are silent out of fear; fear of conflict, fear of change and fear of communism. In all three circumstances, it is this fear that leads to hurt, anger and suffering.