Use "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson for reference and identify one of the darker actions examined in a story or drama from this unit. In what piece is the action highlighted? What intentions or emotions prompt the action? How would the story or drama change if the character involved were able to overcome the darker impulse and indulge a higher intention? Explain.
One of the darker actions examined in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is the communal act of stoning one of their own villagers to death as part of a yearly tradition. This action is highlighted in the story when the townspeople select a random person, Tessie Hutchinson, to be stoned to death in the name of their tradition.
The intentions behind this action are rooted in fear, superstition, and a desire for maintaining social order. The villagers believe that sacrificing one of their own will ensure a good harvest and protect them from harm. Emotions such as dread, resignation, and cruelty drive the characters to participate in this brutal act.
If a character in "The Lottery" were able to overcome the darker impulse and indulge a higher intention, the story would take a drastically different turn. Perhaps if one of the villagers stood up against the tradition and refused to take part in the stoning, it could spark a revolution within the community. This character could inspire others to question the senseless violence and examine the harmful effects of blindly following tradition.
By choosing to resist the darker impulse and embrace a higher intention of compassion, empathy, and justice, the character could bring about positive change and challenge the oppressive system in place. The story could transform into a narrative of hope, redemption, and the power of individual agency in the face of societal conformity. Overall, the impact of overcoming the darker actions in "The Lottery" would lead to a more uplifting and transformative outcome for the characters involved.