Topic > The idea of ​​human nature in Marigolds by Eugenia Collier and The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

One of the greatest mysteries of human psychology is the idea of ​​human nature, the idea that human beings share similar characteristics that explain our reasoning behind our choices and morals. Two literary pieces that explore this concept are “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier. Through the symbolism of "The Lottery", the images of Marigolds and the irony of both, explain how one aspect of human nature, the fear of change, influences what humans cling to and how they fear what they don't understand. Say no to plagiarism. . Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the concept of humans fearing change is most shown through the imagery of the black box, Old Man Warner, and the surrounding cities. On the surface, the black box seems like a sign of change for the city, its “surface growing bleaker every year; by now it was no longer completely black but rather chipped a lot." The tradition is dying, but people refuse to practice it. Most people don't agree with tradition, but their fear of change as well as community elders like Old Man Warner tell the community that they shouldn't, they won't adapt to a different time period. In this sense, Old Man Warner is the symbolic “voice in the back of the head” of the village, convincing them to continue practicing the cult-like ritual of the lottery. He does this by simply expressing his thoughts, calling the surrounding villages a "bunch of crazy fools", but being the oldest man in town has also influenced ideas and thoughts towards the lottery. Furthermore, the cities surrounding the lottery directly represent change, as they move forward and change for the better. This shocks people, as does Old Man Warner, who says, “Next thing you know, they'll want to go back to living in caves, nobody works anymore, live like this for a while. Nothing but trouble in that.” The cities represent the people moving forward, while the city still in the lottery is stubborn, but also scared of what change might bring. Overall, The Lottery uses symbolism to show how persuasion and fear can influence the traditions we hold on to. In "Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier, Lizabeth's fear of transitioning from a child to an adult with compassion is shown throughout the story with various types of images such as first meeting Miss Lottie, the argument her parents have, and Lizbeth having it ultimately destroys the marigolds. First of all, the meeting is a clear explanation of who Lizabeth is: a child. She says she "was still child enough to run with the group over rickety fences and through bushes that tore their already ragged clothes." Why would he want to change? She likes life as it is and when people are content with what they have, they are more afraid to take the opportunity to change their lives. Then, later that day, when she happens to overhear an argument between her parents, in which the gender roles are reversed, she finds herself in a completely new situation that she can't avoid. He says: “The world had lost its borders. His mother, who was small and tender, was now the strength of the family; his father, who was the rock on which the family had been built, was sobbing like a very small child. Everything was suddenly out of tune, like a broken accordion." What happens when animals are placed in a new environment? They have to adapt. Edit. In this case, Lizabeth's situation is no different. So,.