Similarities Between The Lottery And The Destructors

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Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. It is an object representing another to give the person, place, or thing an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant. In “The Lottery”, by Shirley Jackson, and “The Destructors”, by Graham Greene both authors use symbolism by giving meaning to objects and people that represent a meaning beyond what is written. At the beginning of “The Destructors” the character Trevor, or better known as “T” is introduced to the Wormsley Common Gang, a group of young boys. In the story he symbolizes innocence being lost at a young age of adolescence. He learns from his father that Mr. Thomas’s …show more content…

Instead of using a single individual to symbolize guilt, and crime she uses the community as a whole. But she singles out one person amongst a family, who is used as the scapegoat to accept the punishment for others indecent behavior, and dishonesty within the society. In “The Lottery” Tessie Hutchinson chosen to be stoned to death. I’m not going to say that she was an innocent human being, but it’s wrong to punish a single individual for the faults of others. Tessie is used to symbolize innocence, and fear. Both Shirley Jackson, and Graham Greene use the symbolism of innocence, through the characters in their …show more content…

War and political strife are dark times in states and countries, misery and shadows do well to represent those feelings. Graham Greene has Trevor refer to the gang of boys as worms. Worms are used to symbolize the destruction inside and out, he doesn’t want to damage the house he wants to destroy it. To make it something other than the house, because after all destruction is really just creation in disguise. Graham Greene does a good job of using symbolism to describe the mood and state of the people within the town. In “The Lottery” Shirley Jackson at the beginning of the story selects her details to portray or symbolize what seems to be a charming day for this small town. She symbolizes a pleasant day only to lure the reader into an unprepared harsh outcome. Shirley Jackson uses the mood of the town to later symbolize a happy day that then turns into an unpleasant

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