Master Blog

     Throughout our Vs. unit, we have looked a lot at different examples of oppression in literature. In our Harkness circles we often discussed the causes of oppression; the need for power and human instinct. However, we never really discussed the negative consequences this oppression has on society. In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Indian Education by Sherman Alexie, and the Lottery by Shirley Jackson, when societal norms break down due to oppression, a lack of order results. 

     In Lord of the Flies and Indian Education, Piggy and Alexie are both harmed due to interpersonal oppression. Even though Piggy was one of the most logical and educated characters in Lord of the Flies, he faced constant discrimination from the other boys throughout the novel because of his weight. In the end of the story, as he is trying to regain order on the island, he is brutally murdered by Roger. In Indian Education Alexie passes out because he has undiagnosed Diabetes. As soon as a white teacher finds him their first instinct is not to ask if he has a medical condition, instead they state ““What’s that boy been drinking? I know all about these Indian kids. They start drinking real young” (Alexie 5).  In both these situations the characters expect others to respond logically and via the societal norm. Instead, they are met with hatred and discrimination.  When people dismiss social expectations due to biases, they harm others and create chaos. 

    Another example is shown through the Institutional oppression Piggy and Tessie experience in the Lottery and Lord of the Flies. In the lottery, the characters all accept that one among them deserves to die simply because they had bad luck and had their name drawn from the box. In lord of the Flies, when Piggy tries to speak saying “I got the conch”, Jack mocks him and doesn’t let Piggy talk, despite the fact he respects the conch when its Ralph or himself speaking (Golding 94). In both these examples there are set rules that directly target Piggy and Tessie. By not letting Piggy speak they hurt him and lose out on the opportunity to learn from what he may say. In Tessie's case, she is unfairly murdered because her society deems it okay.  However, these exceptions only affect them, directly contradicting normal societal rules for everyone else. This creates a lack of order and undermines the stability and purpose of each of these rules.  

    When people are influenced to behave negatively towards others, chaos ensues. In order to prevent this, it's important to see past any assumptions or prejudices and treat everyone fairly. Although it's our human nature to try and oppress others, we must recognize the animal instincts within us and move towards equality to gain order.