1. In this short story, Ursula K. Le Guin writes of an imprisoned child who supposedly lives a life full of suffering so the other citizens may live peaceful and joyful lives. The role “it” serves is an example of the philosophical concept of “scapegoatism”. This symbolism of the scapegoat is what allows the people of Omelas to live such pleasant lives. The child has been put in place so that the majority may live lives full of happiness. He is the center behind what makes Omelas so wonderful. However, the last paragraph focuses on what the author believes is the most incredible thing. There are individuals who see the unjust in the system of Omelas. They do not want to participate in the cruelty even though it means leaving a life that promised
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“The Lottery”, a short story written by Shirley Jackson suggests that traditions are important to these people. Their superstition and tradition are crucial to their well-being as a community. They imply that forgetting the tradition of “the lottery” would be foolish. Forgetting this custom would be a regression of their civilization that had been built. When the lottery takes place, the man of each household must step forward to pull a slip of paper from the black box. This infers that the male gender holds the head responsibilities for each family. They represent their family. We see that if the husband is unable to draw the paper from the box the sons may step in his place, if of the age of a man. A few people of the community seem to be motivated by the pressure to continue this old tradition. While others participate in this horrible costume, but appear to be blinded of its cruelty. The social structure has set in place a scapegoat that is decided each year, on June 27th. The community accepts this act. For this ritual is what ensures the continuity of their happy existence each year. The date of publication of this story is immensely symbolic. Shirley Jackson published this shortly after WWII. The author is explaining that humans are capable of cruelty. Looking at the events that happened before and during WWII we can see that evil actions had taken place. Shirley is simply explaining that all humans need to stand up for what is right and examine our actions. We may be unaware of the evil that resides in us. We mustn’t be blind to this, nor let the pressure of our surroundings influence how we live in a negative way. The black box seems to be a symbol of the lottery itself. The old black box is faded and falling apart. However, the people are reluctant to replace it. Similarly, the people are also unwilling to change or alter their tradition. The believe that they need to continue what had been passed down to them. The characters in this story
“The Lottery”, a short story written by Shirley Jackson suggests that traditions are important to these people. Their superstition and tradition are crucial to their well-being as a community. They imply that forgetting the tradition of “the lottery” would be foolish. Forgetting this custom would be a regression of their civilization that had been built. When the lottery takes place, the man of each household must step forward to pull a slip of paper from the black box. This infers that the male gender holds the head responsibilities for each family. They represent their family. We see that if the husband is unable to draw the paper from the box the sons may step in his place, if of the age of a man. A few people of the community seem to be motivated by the pressure to continue this old tradition. While others participate in this horrible costume, but appear to be blinded of its cruelty. The social structure has set in place a scapegoat that is decided each year, on June 27th. The community accepts this act. For this ritual is what ensures the continuity of their happy existence each year. The date of publication of this story is immensely symbolic. Shirley Jackson published this shortly after WWII. The author is explaining that humans are capable of cruelty. Looking at the events that happened before and during WWII we can see that evil actions had taken place. Shirley is simply explaining that all humans need to stand up for what is right and examine our actions. We may be unaware of the evil that resides in us. We mustn’t be blind to this, nor let the pressure of our surroundings influence how we live in a negative way. The black box seems to be a symbol of the lottery itself. The old black box is faded and falling apart. However, the people are reluctant to replace it. Similarly, the people are also unwilling to change or alter their tradition. The believe that they need to continue what had been passed down to them. The characters in this story