In history, there is always a sacrifice at the end of the ritual. They are all susceptible to the crude hypothetical theory that if they murder, the masses will prosper. May explains how the heart of the story rests on this old concept: “the notion of the scapegoat” (2451). This is not a new theory as it is presented in a grandiose manner to unsuspecting citizens. Jackson also alludes to a comparison to "the holocaust" as "the townspeople are unable to fully question or prevent the brutal lottery process" (Moss, Joyce, and Wilson, 236-237). Which makes this theme hard to swallow and too soon for some readers. Jackson repeatedly proves his courage in his writings by touching these untouchables.