Exploring Blind Tradition: a Character Study of Jackson's 'The Lottery' and Sophocles' 'Antigone'

Introduction to Blind Tradition

Tradition is often seen as a bedrock of culture and identity, providing stability and continuity in an ever-changing world. However, what happens when traditions become blind—when they are followed without question or understanding? This theme resonates powerfully in two iconic literary works: Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery” and Sophocles’ ancient play “Antigone.” Both texts delve into the dangers of adhering to customs without critical reflection, showcasing characters who embody the consequences of this blind tradition.

The Blind Tradition in 'The Lottery'

In "The Lottery," Shirley Jackson crafts a seemingly ordinary small-town setting that quickly reveals its dark underbelly. The villagers gather for an annual lottery that promises fortune but delivers horror. At the heart of this chilling narrative is Tessie Hutchinson, a character who initially appears to be just another participant in this unsettling ritual. However, as the story unfolds, Tessie's fate serves as a powerful commentary on the perils of unexamined traditions.

Tessie’s character arc highlights her initial acceptance and eventual rejection of the lottery. At first, she participates with little thought—after all, it’s just what everyone does every year. Yet when her family draws the unlucky slip, her attitude shifts dramatically. Suddenly aware of the brutal reality behind this supposedly innocuous event, Tessie becomes vocal about its injustice: “It isn’t fair!” she protests. This cry encapsulates not only her personal horror but also serves as a critique against societal norms that devalue individual life for collective tradition.

Antigone's Defiance Against Tradition

In contrast to Tessie Hutchinson stands Antigone from Sophocles' play—a character defined by her fierce commitment to familial duty and divine law over human decree. Antigone’s defiance against King Creon’s edict not to bury her brother Polyneices places her at odds with societal expectations and traditional authority. While Jackson's village blindly follows tradition for fear of change or consequence, Antigone challenges the status quo because she recognizes the moral imperatives that lie beyond human laws.

The conflict between Antigone and Creon embodies a clash between two types of traditions: one rooted in state power and another grounded in familial loyalty and divine expectation. Antigone's willingness to face death rather than abandon her beliefs highlights not only her courage but also presents a critique of rigid adherence to laws that contradict fundamental ethical principles.

The Consequences of Blind Adherence

Both stories reveal how blind adherence to tradition can lead to tragic consequences—not just for individuals like Tessie and Antigone but for entire communities or states. In "The Lottery," we witness how conformity turns ordinary people into agents of violence; they all participate willingly in stoning Tessie because it’s simply “what they’ve always done.” The townspeople’s chilling detachment speaks volumes about how societal norms can dehumanize individuals when morality is sidelined by custom.

On the other hand, while Antigone stands firm against oppressive tradition, she too suffers immensely—her death symbolizes not only personal sacrifice but also raises questions about whether unwavering loyalty can lead one into destructive paths even if those paths are morally righteous from their perspective. In both cases—the townspeople's violent ritual and Antigone's ultimate demise—we see characters grapple with their roles within their respective systems: one chooses conformity while the other opts for rebellion.

A Reflection on Individuality vs Society

This tension between individuality and societal expectations forms a core theme in both narratives. For instance, Tessie's late realization that she cannot escape collective judgment reveals how deeply ingrained these customs are within social fabric—it isn't just about personal survival; it reflects broader human tendencies toward conformity even at great moral costs. In contrast, Antigone asserts herself as an individual willing to confront authority head-on; however noble her intentions might be—her struggle brings destruction upon herself and others close to her.

Conclusion: The Role of Reflection

Ultimately, both Shirley Jackson’s "The Lottery" and Sophocles’ "Antigone" compel us to reflect critically on our own traditions—prompting questions like: Are there practices we uphold without questioning? What happens when we let tradition dictate our actions? These texts serve as cautionary tales urging readers towards introspection regarding cultural practices while navigating conflicts between societal norms versus ethical convictions.

References

• Jackson, S., & Lahr, J.-M. (2014). The Lottery: A Celebration - A Playwrights' Roundtable 75th Anniversary Edition
• Sophocles (1984). Antigone translated by Robert Fagles
• Petersen , K.T., & McLeod , S.A (2017). Social Influence - Simply Psychology
• Kuhns , J.E., & Daugherty , C.L.(2010). Tradition Versus Change: A Study on Human Behavior Journal