The issues and dangers that arise from blindly following tradition and leadership are central focal points in two short stories, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and “Dead Man’s Path” by Chinua Achebe Both short stories show the kinds of trouble and destruction that can be brought on by these types of …show more content…
This path cuts through Mr. Obi’s school and is very important to the surrounding villagers. They cling to the traditional beliefs that their deceased ancestors use the path to travel to and from their village. When these views are opposed by Mr. Obi and the path is closed the villagers retaliate and cause damage to the school. A similar symbol is used in “The Lottery.” In this short story the lottery itself is the symbol of tradition. The townspeople gather every year to draw a piece of paper to see who will get stoned to death. These individuals seem to have no remorse for what they are doing simply because it is tradition. Many of these people have simply been raised to believe that this is what they have to do. In the real world certain individuals cling blindly to traditions. An example would be pre-civil rights America. The racism and prejudice shown by some was instilled in them by their parents. They were blindly clinging to a certain world view simply because that was what their family had always done. There seemed to be no care or remorse for the pain, both emotional and physical, that was inflicted on the country’s african american