compare contrast the lottery and omelas
Elena Olmedo
Professor Schuur
Eng. 49 – 81597w
2/20/15
Compare Contrast: “The Lottery” & “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas”
The striking similarities between, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursela K. Le Guin, and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, by far outweigh the differences in the stories; both derive from their presentation of lovely towns with shocking examples of brutal sacrifice. Gradually, they illustrate societies that rely on a scapegoat to determine their happiness and prosperity. The key aspects in comparing the two tales are the setting, the people, and their reasoning behind their merciless actions.
Both stories begin with a sweet blissful day under the sun; the towns seem to be similar with joyful citizens. In ‘Omelas’ it is the Festival of summer with dancing in the streets, music, special attire, and great celebrations. As well as the citizens in “The Lottery” all gather together while the children enjoy their play and the adults engage in small talk. The most prominent similarity that lies between these towns is their opening to a pleasant joyful setting, only to later be disturbed by horrific examples of sacrifice.
Although both towns have similar people they portray a different background setting. Omelas is romanticized and described as your own personal real heaven on earth; while the villagers in “the lottery” live in a quaint old town in rural America giving the story a sense of normality. The author of “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, continually tries to convince the reader of the reality that Omelas exists; “I wish I could describe it better. I wish I could convince you. Omelas sounds in my words like a city in a fairy tale, long ago and far away, once upon a time.” The importance of this aspect is the emphasis of perfectionism sought through your own eyes. Le Guin evokes the reader to use their imagination and makes the connection personal. Therefore, enticing the reader to question the title of the story; ‘why would
Professor Schuur
Eng. 49 – 81597w
2/20/15
Compare Contrast: “The Lottery” & “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas”
The striking similarities between, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursela K. Le Guin, and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, by far outweigh the differences in the stories; both derive from their presentation of lovely towns with shocking examples of brutal sacrifice. Gradually, they illustrate societies that rely on a scapegoat to determine their happiness and prosperity. The key aspects in comparing the two tales are the setting, the people, and their reasoning behind their merciless actions.
Both stories begin with a sweet blissful day under the sun; the towns seem to be similar with joyful citizens. In ‘Omelas’ it is the Festival of summer with dancing in the streets, music, special attire, and great celebrations. As well as the citizens in “The Lottery” all gather together while the children enjoy their play and the adults engage in small talk. The most prominent similarity that lies between these towns is their opening to a pleasant joyful setting, only to later be disturbed by horrific examples of sacrifice.
Although both towns have similar people they portray a different background setting. Omelas is romanticized and described as your own personal real heaven on earth; while the villagers in “the lottery” live in a quaint old town in rural America giving the story a sense of normality. The author of “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, continually tries to convince the reader of the reality that Omelas exists; “I wish I could describe it better. I wish I could convince you. Omelas sounds in my words like a city in a fairy tale, long ago and far away, once upon a time.” The importance of this aspect is the emphasis of perfectionism sought through your own eyes. Le Guin evokes the reader to use their imagination and makes the connection personal. Therefore, enticing the reader to question the title of the story; ‘why would
References: Le Guin, Ursula K. The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas. Mesa Blackboard. Oct. 1973. Web. 20 Feb. 2015. Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery. Mesa Blackboard. June 1948. Web. 20 Feb. 2015.