The Lottery Rhetorical Analysis

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When dealing with the topic of whether people are inherently good or naturally malicious, The Lottery, and The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas tend to suggest humans are naturally malicious. Through both readings they exemplify naturally malicious behavior in similar ways with similar themes as well. Through the literary devices of irony, rhetoric, and catharsis, it is shown that the villagers conscious when it comes to sacrifice. Their actions prove that the morals/values instilled in them are overpowered by their own selfishness and happiness.
Starting with The Lottery, the author conveys the message of naturally malicious behavior through the literary device of irony and the theme of blind allegiance and separation of family loyalty. When dealing with the character of Mrs. Hutchinson her actions show the cold hearted nature as she attempts to try and escape her sacrificial duties. Another example of naturally malicious behavior shown in the lottery is how quick Mrs. Hutchinson’s’
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For The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas the author conveys the select few who walk away as free from the pressures of society. When they choose to leave, this can be seen as a breaking point. But the irony of the substantial situation is that the ones who actually walk away are just as vile as the ones who continue to stay in Omelas and let the child suffer to fulfill their own twisted ideology of happiness. For the walkers to find their own happiness they choose to leave, whether than work towards solving the inhumane problem of freeing the sacrifice showcasing once again the theme of selfishness. In The Lottery when the stoning has already taken place you could view this as catharsis as well. The villagers are very nonchalant in getting the event over with. They view it as a normal way of life. When everything is said and done they are relieved to get it over with and do not think twice about the deed that has just been