Full Answer Section

The fourth paragraph of Alexander Weinstein’s short story “Rocket Night” is significant because it reveals the horrifying truth about the annual tradition. The victims are chosen based on their perceived flaws and unpopularity. They are not given a chance to defend themselves or participate in the decision-making process. Weinstein’s purpose in writing this story is to explore the themes of fear, conformity, and the scapegoating of innocent victims. The story is a disturbing reminder of the consequences of allowing fear and prejudice to control our actions.

The process of selecting victims in “Rocket Night” is more horrific than in “The Lottery” because it is based on personal animosity and prejudice rather than an arbitrary drawing. The victims are not just randomly chosen; they are specifically targeted because they are different from the majority. This adds a layer of cruelty and malice to the tradition that is not present in “The Lottery.”

Both “The Lottery” and “Rocket Night” bring to mind recent events or news stories about scapegoating and the persecution of minorities. For example, the rise of nationalism and populism in recent years has led to an increase in hate crimes and violence against minority groups. These events serve as a reminder that the stories of Jackson and Weinstein are not just works of fiction but cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked prejudice and the power of tradition to justify violence.

There are many modern-day “lotteries” or “rocket nights” in the sense that there are still many traditions and practices that are harmful or outdated. For example, the practice of hazing in some fraternities and sororities can lead to serious injuries and even death. Similarly, the tradition of arranged marriage can be seen as a form of forced labor, as women are not always given the freedom to choose their own spouses.

People continue to carry on outdated or harmful traditions for a variety of reasons. In some cases, people may be simply unaware of the harmful effects of the tradition. In other cases, people may feel pressured to uphold the tradition out of fear of social ostracism or retribution. And in still other cases, people may genuinely believe that the tradition is beneficial, even if there is no evidence to support this belief.

It is important to be critical of all traditions and to question their justification. We should not simply accept things as they are because they have always been done that way. We should be willing to challenge traditions that are harmful or outdated and to replace them with more just and humane practices.