Comparing and Contrasting "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin

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…'The Lottery,' the women show up 'wearing faded house dresses and sweaters.' Although Le Guin's environment seems more festive, all the folks in both stories are coming together for what seems to be enjoyable, even celebratory occasions. However, I believe the major similarity lies in the fact that these many pleasant details create a facade within each story. The reader is then left ill-prepared when the shocking, brutally violent, ritualistic traditions are exposed.