In the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the character of Old Man Warner is a fascinating study in tradition, superstition, and fear of change. Old Man Warner is the symbol of the deep-rooted beliefs and customs that govern the town's annual lottery. Through his words and actions, he embodies resistance to progress and the preservation of outdated rituals that ultimately lead to tragedy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayOld Man Warner is described as a strong advocate of the lottery, which he sees as an essential part of identity and community cohesion. He rejects any suggestion that the lottery is unnecessary or barbaric, insisting that it has always been done and must continue to be done. His adherence to tradition is so strong that he becomes angry and defensive when others question the purpose or morality of the lottery. This reveals a deep-seated fear of change and an unwillingness to challenge the established order, even when it may be harmful or unjust. His inflexible stance towards the lottery demonstrates his refusal to adapt to changing societal norms, highlighting his stubbornness and dislike of anything outside of his established beliefs. Despite his advanced age, Old Man Warner is described as a quick-witted and alert man with a keen understanding. of human nature. He does not hesitate to criticize the younger generation for their lack of respect and gratitude, believing that they do not appreciate the sacrifices of the past. This suggests a sense of entitlement and superiority on his part, as he sees himself as the keeper of tradition and guardian of the community's values. His refusal to acknowledge the flaws and consequences of the lottery reflects a narrow-mindedness and stubbornness that ultimately contributes to its perpetuation. The character of Old Man Warner shows a lack of empathy and understanding towards the younger generation, further highlighting his inability to see beyond his own perspective. The character of Old Man Warner is also marked by a strong sense of superstition and fear. He believes the lottery is necessary to ensure a good harvest and ward off evil spirits, despite a lack of evidence or logic to support this belief. His reliance on tradition and ritual as means of control and protection reveals a deep-seated insecurity and vulnerability, as he clings to these practices in the face of uncertainty and change. This fear of the unknown drives him to defend the lottery at all costs, even if it results in tragedy and loss. Old Man Warner's superstition highlights his inability to think critically and rationally, which ultimately leads to the perpetuation of a harmful tradition. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Old Man Warner is a complex and compelling character whose beliefs and actions reveal the dark side of tradition and superstition. Through his unwavering support for the lottery and his resistance to change, he embodies the dangers of blindly following established customs, without question or reflection. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the power of fear and tradition to shape our beliefs and behaviors, and the importance of challenging these ingrained patterns in order to create a more just and equitable society. Old Man Warner reflects the dangers of remaining rooted in outdated customs and beliefs, and his character serves as a reminder of the importance of thinking..