Compare & Contrast: "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "The Shawl" by Cynthia Ozick

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson and The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick are two short stories that when read in comparison can be seen as lacking similarity. It is often the case that when literature is read in contrast to another work there are a vast number of obvious differences between them. Aside from the two stories having apparent diversity in authors and characters it can be found that various other elements are exceptionally varied from one another. However, in many cases if a closer look is taken in the examination and comparison of two stories, similarities can be found. Perhaps both stories use symbolism in a similar manner by presenting the reader with a powerful message or maybe the two have a similar plot. Perhaps the similarity lies in something as simple as the theme the story portrays. By taking a closer look as to what The Lottery and The Shawl have in common, it can be seen that despite their differences they both have similar image presenting symbolism, a theme of survival, as well as a grim plot filled with tension.

It should come as no surprise that both of these shorts stories utilize the literary element of symbolism. Symbolism is used in a story to offer either strong or subtle images of a message that the author is trying to convey to the reader without saying it outright. In Jacksons The Lottery, the small village can be seen as a symbol primarily aimed at illustrating the dangers of the ignorant pursuit of tradition. Just because things have always been done a certain way in this village, does not mean that such practiced traditions are valuable for the people and community. It is possible that this symbol can convey and stress the importance of knowledge as opposed to the blind adherence to rules and in this case traditions set forth by the village. In Ozicks The Shawl, we find the majority of symbolism is possessed in the shawl itself. Within the story, the shawl in a sense could represent obedience because it provides the ability to hide and

Cited: ackson, Shirley. "The Lottery." Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2006. 208-14Ozick, Cynthia. "The Shawl." Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2006. 242-45