Comparative Analysis of Characters in S. Jackson's 'The Lottery' and D. Lawrence's 'The Rocking-horse Winner'

In the realm of literature, characters serve as the vehicle through which themes and societal critiques are explored. Two compelling short stories, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and D.H. Lawrence's "The Rocking-Horse Winner," present a rich tapestry of human emotion and social commentary through their respective characters. Despite differing contexts—one set in a seemingly idyllic small town and the other in a troubled family home—both narratives highlight the destructive nature of societal expectations and personal desires.

Characters Reflecting Societal Pressures

In "The Lottery," Jackson introduces us to an array of townspeople who participate in an annual ritual that culminates in a shocking act of violence. The protagonist, Tessie Hutchinson, initially appears as just another participant in this bizarre tradition. However, as the story progresses, her character becomes a poignant representation of how societal norms can lead to blind conformity and moral detachment. The villagers' casual demeanor during such a brutal event underscores how deeply ingrained these traditions are; they prioritize adherence to custom over individual morality.

On the other hand, "The Rocking-Horse Winner" centers around Paul, a young boy desperate for his mother’s affection, which he equates with financial success. His mother’s constant lament about their lack of money creates an atmosphere where Paul feels compelled to take matters into his own hands. Here lies Lawrence's exploration of parental expectations—the kind that can warp childhood innocence into obsessive behaviors. Paul embodies this struggle; he becomes increasingly consumed by the need to provide for his family financially, illustrating how familial pressures can distort one's sense of self-worth.

The Role of Parental Influence

The influence of parents is pivotal in both stories but manifests differently across characters. In Jackson's work, Tessie’s role as a mother comes into focus when she protests against her own selection for stoning by invoking her children as reasoning—essentially pleading for her life at the expense of others'. This twist reveals not only her instinctual desire to protect her offspring but also how societal indoctrination has made her complicit in perpetuating violence under the guise of tradition.

Conversely, Lawrence crafts Paul's mother as emotionally distant yet deeply materialistic—a combination that fosters Paul's tragic descent into madness due to his overwhelming desire for approval from someone who seems never satisfied. While Tessie Hutchinson struggles against external societal forces largely out of self-preservation instinctively tied to motherhood, Paul is internally driven by an urgent need for maternal validation that ultimately leads him towards despair rather than liberation.

Gender Dynamics at Play

An interesting aspect emerges when we consider gender dynamics within both narratives. In "The Lottery," women like Tessie are portrayed almost passively within communal rituals dominated by male authority figures; their voices are marginalized until it serves to amplify their impending doom. The men run the lottery and decide on its rules while women remain largely silent participants until they become victims themselves.

D.H. Lawrence offers a somewhat different lens on gender roles through Paul's obsession with winning money—not just for himself but specifically to gain favor with his mother. His perception that monetary gain equates love reflects society's problematic conflation between wealth and emotional connection—a notion largely propagated through patriarchal structures that belittle women's roles outside domestic spheres.

The Consequences of Destructive Behavior

The conclusion reached by both stories demonstrates not only individual tragedies but collective ramifications born from these flawed interpersonal dynamics rooted in societal expectations and gender roles. In “The Lottery,” Tessie's shocking end serves as grim commentary on humanity’s capacity for violence under pressure from tradition—it raises questions about our complicity when we follow harmful customs without questioning them.

Meanwhile, “The Rocking-Horse Winner” reveals how desperately seeking material validation can lead one down a path toward self-destruction; Paul’s ultimate fate is not merely tragic but symptomatic of systemic failings—an indictment against society’s relentless pursuit of wealth over love or contentment.

A Reflection on Human Nature

Both Shirley Jackson and D.H. Lawrence delve deep into human psychology through their characters’ responses to external pressures: whether it be ruthless tradition or crippling familial expectations surrounding wealth acquisition leading inevitably towards despair or destruction—all stemming from basic human desires interwoven with cultural contexts shaping moral landscapes.

The comparative analysis highlights enduring themes relevant even today: questioning societal norms could potentially save lives while recognizing how emotional bonds shaped by materialism can ultimately prove devastating when left unchecked or inadequately addressed within families.

Conclusion

This examination demonstrates how both authors use their characters not only as vehicles for narrative progression but also as profound explorations into human behavior reflecting broader societal critiques—a timeless conversation across generations surrounding morality versus conformity along lines drawn distinctly between personal desire versus collective expectation resonating strongly within our current socio-cultural fabric.

• Jackson, S., "The Lottery", New Yorker Magazine (1948).
• Lawrence, D.H., "The Rocking-Horse Winner", Harper's Magazine (1926).
• Bennett J., "Understanding Shirley Jackson", University Press (2013).
• Crumbley P., "D.H.Lawrence: The Story Behind The Story", Literary Studies Journal (2011).
• Pahlke J.A., "Cultural Contexts: Understanding Literature Through Comparative Analysis", Academic Review Press (2020).