Ok, I agree with most of what others have stated about dehumanizaton and the fear of change. However, in order to move the discssion onto another subject, I wanted to bring up the idea that the lottery actually improves the lives of the people who live in the town.
The fear that one might die allows the person to live life to the fullest and truly enjoy life. This is espicially noted in the teenagers participating for the first time. Teenagers too often tend to think themselves invincible. This leads to teenager's not appreciating life and taking dangerous risks. Growing up in this society, one would never forget their own mortality. This fact would put life into a new persepective and make every second count.
Of course, it seems terrible that someone should have to die every year to allow for the town's overall well-being. However, if the stoning is looked at as the sacrifice of one to provide for the hapiness of all, it does not seem as horrible. According to Christians the sacrifice of one man provided for the eternal happiness of everyone else. With that idea in mind "The Lottery" reads in an entirely different light, doesn't it?
I hope I've provided something new to think about/discuss.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2006-03-08 07:53 pm (UTC)The fear that one might die allows the person to live life to the fullest and truly enjoy life. This is espicially noted in the teenagers participating for the first time. Teenagers too often tend to think themselves invincible. This leads to teenager's not appreciating life and taking dangerous risks. Growing up in this society, one would never forget their own mortality. This fact would put life into a new persepective and make every second count.
Of course, it seems terrible that someone should have to die every year to allow for the town's overall well-being. However, if the stoning is looked at as the sacrifice of one to provide for the hapiness of all, it does not seem as horrible. According to Christians the sacrifice of one man provided for the eternal happiness of everyone else. With that idea in mind "The Lottery" reads in an entirely different light, doesn't it?
I hope I've provided something new to think about/discuss.
Melissa/Slytherin