Epiphany In The Lottery And Araby

In written works, a writer presents a certain theme in several unique ways. The author may express a theme through the feelings of the main character about a certain subject. Similarly, themes can be presented through thoughts and conversations of different characters. The theme of Ignorance within a dominant character or a group of characters normally prevents them from obtaining a certain goal or ambition and later, understanding through epiphany, the coming of a certain realization. Literature, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic value, show a contemporary way of what takes place when the main character and lack of knowledge collide with outside forces like society. Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and James Joyce’s “Araby” are prime examples of overcoming ignorance and encountering an epiphany. The narrator in “Araby” and the villagers in “The Lottery” including Tessie Hutchinson, in spite of their ignorance, will insight into, coming of age, pivotal superstition, and will overall face evident epiphany.

In the story“Araby” although, just after speaking with Mangan’s sister, the narrator finds himself entirely uninterested and bored by the demands of the classroom by stating, “I watched my master’s face pass from amiability to sternness; he hoped I was not beginning to idle. I could not call my wandering thoughts together. I had hardly any patience with the serious work of life which, now that it stood between me and my desire, seemed to me child’s play, ugly monotonous child’s play.”(Joyce 4). This evidence forewarns the boy’s future annoyance with the colourless details that foil his wants, and it also illustrates the struggle to define himself as an adult. In similar comparison to the story “The