"Gambling with the future":A history with and without tradition

In many literary works, history is a core theme. Such is the case in Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Thomas King’s “Totem”. Both stories’ themes stress the importance of being critical of history. Each story, however, takes a different approach on the treatment of this theme. “The Lottery” suggests one should question history and tradition, and perhaps it is time to move on or change. In “Totem,” the importance of remembering one’s heritage and past is the intended message and theme. More specifically, the theme stresses the importance of remembering the Native People of Canada who were once so abundant in number. They are a large part of Canada’s heritage, and are very rich in culture and tradition that should not be forgotten.
In Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the characters in the story place great emphasis on the matter of tradition. The plot follows a small village of closely related and well-acquainted people who refuse to let go of past traditions...