Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and DH Lawrence's "The Rocking-Horse Winner," the desire of human beings to gain control over their existence with the use of rituals and 'magic' is in evidence.

Use of ritual and superstition in "The Lottery and "The Rocking Horse Winner"

In one story, magic is real, in the other it is not II. "The Lottery"

Plot of sacrifice

Sacrifice highly ritualized

Not performing the magic is seen as barbaric, ironically

"The Rocking-Horse Winner"

Plot of Paul's prediction of horse racing winners

Materialism of parents destroys child

The 'magic' of the rocking horse wins money but simply makes the family more extravagant

Conclusion

Both stories highlight the inefficient, destructive nature of rituals and superstitions

B. Stories collectively suggest that whether magic and rituals are real or false, they are destructive.

Compare and contrast: "The Lottery" versus "The Rocking-Horse Winner"

Superstition and folk beliefs are a common theme...
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