Analysis Of Oedipus Rex And The Lottery

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In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, there is a deception where readers think one thing, but are presented with a different point of view. They are profoundly similar for various reasons regarding structure and theme. They are complementary in establishing the primary conflict of drama during the storyline; however, Oedipus Rex encompasses foreshadowing that divulges drama from past experiences. Additionally, the authors incorporate violence as a key component in the conflict presented. However, the drama differs in plot, as well as symbolism, in which the reader understands it before or amid the story through gradual discovery. The themes and presentation of these dramatic plots are initially compelling, distinctive, …show more content…

At first glance, the readers have preconceived ideas that the story’s theme is one of a positive nature. One anticipates that there will be a character with good fortune; however, once reading it only becomes evident in the middle of the story. Readers begin to understand that he person who has the misfortune, the colored paper, is stoned to death in front of the whole community. This is evident when it states, “It had a black spot on it, the black spot Mr. Summers had made the night before…there was a stir in the crowd” (Jackson 249). This quote emphasis’s the negative connotation related to the black dot, which makes readers aware of the detriments related. Its relevance leads readers to understanding the development of the drama. Within the Hutchinson’s family, the mother, Tessie Hutchinson, is the victim to the lottery that …show more content…

This creates a twist in the plot, making readers discover the true meaning and thinking back to all they had read. Oedipus is told that he has fulfilled his fate and discovering his true identity in the middle of the play, and Mrs. Hutchinson discovers her fate in the middle of the short story as well. This encompasses the full knowledge of the detriments to come. Overall, both dramatizing pieces encompass unknown suspicions that are already evident within communities but not apparent to the readers, yet they are gradually revealed. This creates a captivating plot and accomplishes the goals of the writers – to compel readers to uncover the brutal yet enthralling

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