The Scapegoat's Itch
The term scapegoat originates from Biblical times. More specifically, chapter 16 in the book of Leviticus presents the story of Yom Kippur, more commonly and modernly known as the "Day of Atonement." This was a day when man's sins were to be forgiven through strict ritualistic practices. One characteristic of these practices was that two male goats and a ram were to be taken from the Israelite community. Together the goats were for a sin offering (the ram was for a burnt offering). Lots were to be cast for the goats. One lot was for the Lord and the other was for the scapegoat. The goat whose lot was for the Lord would be sacrificed. The other goat, the scapegoat, would remain alive and be sent into the desert to atone for man's sins. In other words, it would bear the weight of man's sins. Centered on this idea of the scapegoat are two well known pieces of literature: The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson, and The Woman Taken in Adultery found in the Book of John and other Gospels of the Bible. In Jackson's Lottery, the scapegoat is represented by the character of Tessie Hutchinson. While in the Biblical anecdote, the scapegoat is represented by the woman accused of adultery. When comparing these two "scapegoat stricken individuals" and
The strict practices of the ritual had been forgotten. In The Woman Taken in Adultery, the scribes and Pharisees intentions were to cast blame in order to tempt Jesus. She proclaims, "Get up there, Bill," to her husband when their family name is called. But what they both had in common was that they were both equally guilty of the very thing for which they were casting the blame upon each woman. No one else really speaks at all during the drawing. All along they knew that Jesus had preached and taught to the people to "turn the other cheek," and also how He had taught them how important love was. Why? Because that itch had to be scratched and sustained until it would build up again a year later and need to be scratched again. The children had shown positive signs of affection and kindness. And in some nearby villages the Lottery had been totally done away with. Why are all men sinners? Once again, simply put, because they are all infected with that little innate itch. Even the children were inflicted with this one remembrance. Jesus' response to the scribes and Pharisees inquiry was perfect. " But they proceed as they always have and complete the ritual of the Lottery by stoning her to death. She shows up last to the meeting and then cracks jokes in front of the entire village.
Common topics in this essay:
Hutchinson Biblical,
Woman Adultery,
Day Atonement,
Tessie Hutchinson's,
Moses' Law,
Law Moses,
Jesus Jesus,
,
Nancy Hutchinsons,
Moses Jesus,
scribes pharisees,
woman adultery,
man's sins,
bear burden,
jesus scribes pharisees,
law moses,
pharisees woman,
lots cast,
jesus scribes,
own teachings,
cast blame,
scribes pharisees woman,
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Acceptance Essays
