Final answer:
In the story "The Lottery", the gathering of the people in the village square represents the communal nature of the village and the tradition of the lottery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The people of the village gathering in the square in the story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson shows the communal nature of the village and the tradition of the lottery. The gathering in the square symbolize the unity and participation of the villagers in this annual event. It also demonstrates the importance placed on conformity and the acceptance of the lottery as a cultural norm.