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Fiction Essay Assignment
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "The Rocking-Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence
serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the darker aspects of human nature and societal pressures.
While the two stories differ significantly in plot and style, they share common themes, such as
the critique of societal norms, the nature of luck, and the impact of materialism on familial
relationships. Analyzing these narratives reveals a profound commentary on how societal
expectations can shape individual behavior and lead to tragic consequences.
In "The Lottery," the setting is a small, seemingly serene village that embodies traditional
values and communal bonds. The story begins with an atmosphere of normalcy, where children
play, and adults converse, but an unsettling weight hangs over the proceedings as the villagers
prepare for the annual lottery. The ritual unfolds with bureaucratic precision, gradually revealing
how deeply ingrained this barbaric tradition is within the community. Jackson depicts the
chilling contrast between the ordinary nature of the event and its violent outcome, culminating in
a shocking climax where Tessie Hutchinson, the "winner," is stoned to death by her neighbors.
This represents not only the blind adherence to outdated customs but also a chilling commentary
on human cruelty. The act of stoning, a form of communal murder, raises questions about
morality, individual guilt, and the desensitization that can come from conformity.
Conversely, "The Rocking-Horse Winner" explores a different facet of human despair:
the relentless pursuit of wealth to obtain love and validation. The protagonist, Paul, is a young
boy who does not get his mother’s affection and believes that accumulating money through
gambling will attract her affection. The rocking horse symbolizes Paul's desperation, which led
to his misguided belief in luck and material success as pathways to emotional security. Lawrence
imbues the story with surrealism, especially when Paul becomes entranced by his rocking horse,
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predicting the winning horses through what he perceives as an intuitive connection. This bizarre
element of surrealism amplifies the intensity of his fixation and the tragic irony—rather than
garnering love, his obsession ultimately leads to his demise.
Both stories delve into the consequences of societal values prioritizing tradition and
wealth over human connection. In "The Lottery," the villagers' unquestioning loyalty to tradition
culminates in an act of violence that reflects a disturbing aspect of human nature: the capacity for
brutality hidden behind the facade of normalcy. Jackson crafts the narrative in a way that invites
readers to ponder the implications of blind traditions: what horrors might be concealed
throughout these community practices? The lottery, which begins as a communal event, becomes
a tool for violence and scapegoating, revealing how easily society can dehumanize individuals in
favor of preserving its customs. In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," Paul's journey is marked by the
agonizing realization that love cannot be bought. His mother's constant assertions that their
household lacks luck and wealth drive him to the extremes of gambling, showcasing the
psychological toll that materialism can affect relationships. Paul's desperation intensifies as he
associates his ability to predict winners with the hope of being loved; however, the more he wins,
the more he is estranged from his mother. Lawrence's portrayal of Paul's tragic fate warns about
the perils of equating financial success with personal worth and acceptance.
In addition, both narratives illustrate the concept of luck and its fickle nature. In "The
Lottery," luck is portrayed as a cruel mistress, where the supposed "reward" of winning leads to
death rather than prosperity. The lottery's randomness reflects life's unpredictability—a chance
event that may lead to dire consequences for the unsuspecting participant. The villagers accept
this randomness without question, underscoring how societal norms can obscure moral
discernment. In contrast, Paul's pursuit of luck is a desperate attempt to exert control over his
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chaotic home life. His belief in his ability to influence outcomes through his rocking horse
represents an illusion of power; ultimately, this obsession destroys him, illustrating how
searching for luck can lead to self-destruction rather than fulfillment.
Despite their thematic overlaps, the tone and style of the two stories differ significantly.
Jackson employs a realist narrative style that meticulously constructs the horror of the lottery,
gradually revealing the underlying tension within the community. The village's picturesque
facade contrasts starkly with the grotesque reality of the lottery, reinforcing the theme of hidden
violence beneath the surface of societal norms. The story's calm and orderly atmosphere
heightens the shock of the brutal conclusion, compelling readers to question their complicity in
cultural traditions. On the other hand, Lawrence's writing in "The Rocking-Horse Winner" is
characterized by its psychological depth and surreal elements. The narrative captures Paul's
internal struggle, blending reality with fantasy as his experiences on the rocking horse blur the
line between literal and metaphorical. The intense psychological stakes of Paul's quest for luck
create a deeper emotional resonance, drawing readers into the tumultuous dynamics of his family
life. This stylistic approach enhances the poignancy of Paul's motivations, emphasizing the tragic
irony of his situation—only by losing his life does he secure the wealth that he believes will earn
him his mother's love.
“The Lottery” and “The Rocking-Horse Winner” provide powerful critiques of societal
expectations and the human condition. While one focuses on the dangers of tradition and
conformity through a chilling narrative, the other explores the destructive nature of materialism
and the quest for love through a poignant, surreal lens. Both stories serve as reminders of the
profound and often troubling ways in which society can influence individual actions and
relationships. Through their exploration of luck, violence, and the relentless pursuit of approval,
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Jackson and Lawrence craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply, prompting readers to
reflect on the ethical implications of their societal norms and values. As these stories illustrate,
the consequences of blind conformity and material obsession can have tragic outcomes, urging
us to consider the moral dimensions of our choices and the underlying motivations that drive
human behavior.
