The Lottery, written by Shirley Jackson, is set in a small village of 300 people and focuses on a peculiar tradition of the town. It starts with the gathering of rocks and stones, while the names of the villagers are mixed in a black box. When the draw is made, the villager's name who is chosen, is stoned to death. These murders are symbolic to the powerlessness people feel to change. Are there any American traditions that share similarities with the lottery tradition in the village?
In the Lottery, a person at random is chosen to be stoned to death. Just as these people can't stop their fate, you can't delay age either. Each culture has a tradition of celebrating the coming of age. In Northern America, Sweet 16's are a celebration of a girl becoming a young woman. In Latin America, Quinceañeras are a celebration of becoming a woman at 15 years old. According to Conservative and Orthodox Jewish Faiths, Bat Mitzvahs are symbolic of a girl becoming a woman at age 13. To learn more about Coming of Age Traditions please visit the "Global Citizen". When have you made an important choice to break away or not break away from a strong cultural tradition you shared with a family, friend, or culture? From 4th grade to grade 10, I went to Catholic Christian schools. From a young age religion was a large part of my life. I participated in Baptism (at age 2), Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. I loved "God", God was my passion and Church was my safe place. As I got older, I realized the church wasn't as acceptive as I had perceived. I was constantly questioning my beliefs and morals. By my Sophomore year at Bishop Shanahan High School, I realized I no longer wanted to participate in Catholicism. As a result, it caused an upset between my father and I, along with anguish from my Grandparents. Now a freshman in college, my father and grandparents have come around to accept my beliefs.
1 Comment
Julia Thornton
10/23/2017 11:04:54 am
I liked how you compared the lottery to the coming of age. I have never thought of that before and I think that is a cool connection. Also, i think that leaving what you did not believe in is great. I am catholic, and i too sometimes question my beliefs. When you said the church is not as accepting as you thought it was, is there any other reason you say that besides your question of beliefs? Maybe something the church said or did for you to feel this way?
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Julia ThackrahI hope you find joy in some of my writings and stay interested along the way! Please leave comments on things you'd like to know more about or are interested in. Thanks! ArchivesCategories
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