The lottery proves that life is not a fair place. The story is very similar to that of Hunger Games, which is a modern movie that has a similar theme. The tradition is not like one that most people would assume, rather it is quite wicked in nature. Each year, citizens gather to pick the drawing on slips of paper of who will be put to death. Over the years, some formalities of this lottery have changed, however, much has stayed the same. Including the idea that citizens are left unaware as to when or why this custom began. This story exhibits both coming-of-age and disenchanted American dream themes within it. The American dream does not only extend to America but is more a thought or desire.
In The Lottery, the children relate to such topics as coming of age, and the disenchanted American dream more so than adults. The children in this story are not exempt from the process, or the consequences of being chosen. There is absolutely no coming of age in this madness. In most cultures and traditions, age denies a lot, however, this villager does not allow even the innocence of a child to not undergo such tragedies. In the beginning, Jackson discusses how the children must choose the stones that will be thrown at the chosen. Children are also informed of the honors of such traditions in their lands. Although, it does not specify when these stories are told, audiences, can assume that, to some degree, the telling of this tradition is their coming of age. I claim this because once this horrible fate is revealed to them, they lose their previous thoughts that the world is a fair place. They learn the truth of what being of a mature age brings upon them, which in this case, could most likely be death.
The American dream is about equal opportunities for a fair life and a shot at success. However, these mechanisms displayed in this story are equal in nature. They fall short of allowing for a successful life. Which, then directly showcases a disenchanted dream. The choosing of a name determines the fate of the young, the old, married, and the unmarried, no one is exempt from this irrational consequence. Coming of age and the disenchanted American dream are linked in this story because once a child reaches the age of learning about these traditions, they no longer are granted the American dream of success and equality. These young people learn, that even if they follow all the rules and regulations of the town, they can be chosen during the lottery and face death. To some degree, I feel that citizens almost lose hope in situations such as this. I mean, logically thinking, why would one even desire to get old and start a family, knowing well that all of this can be taken from them? This is in no way, shape, or form equality. Equality would include only those who have done serious damage or crimes in the town. Why should an innocent person be condemned to death for no fault of their own, just bad luck? Once these children reach this unidentified age, they have their coming of age. In most cultures, this is a celebratory age, and parties and celebrations conclude, however, these New England children are not granted such events.
Life is not fair, and neither are many of the rules that we must follow. However, nonetheless, these rules are set in stone, and we must learn to live with them. Although no actual reasoning is provided by the author for such horrific traditions, we can assume that there was some reason given for these practices. This story shows how not everyone’s coming of age is a fun and exciting part of life, however, most people are granted a disenchanted American dream. Because this dream has long been dead since equality and opportunity no longer exist consistently.
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