The short stories The Wager by Anton Chekhov and The Lottery by Shirley Jackson demonstrate the effects of life and existence, tradition and customs, society and classes through different perspectives on these issues of life. Because the characters in the stories experience contrasting perspectives on these similar issues, readers are able to experience similar ideals in two dialogic ways. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The notable theme of society and class, throughout the stories, plays a particular role in expressing how one's place in society can influence one's ideal life, existence, and customs. In The Bet the social and class aspects are the main factor that contributes to the bet that was formed for a man to voluntarily give up fifteen years of his life to understand and experience whether life in prison was really more humane than that death penalty , reflecting: “Which executioner is more humane, the one who kills you in a few minutes, or the one who takes your life away? (Chekhov 1)”. Because the men in the tale were portrayed as wealthy and successful, with no real experience of solidarity or death, their place in society pushes them to make such a decision. In contrast, society and class do not play such an important role in the Lottery. Since the Lottery tradition is a city-wide event, every member of society must play, regardless of class, wealth, or social position. Consequently, although the citizens' differences are not noted throughout the tale, it is certain that on this day of the year the members are able to come together as one, despite their differences, to enjoy and take part in such a tradition. “”It's not fair, it's not fair!” Mrs. Hutchinson screamed, and then they got here. (Jackson 7)” makes it clear that in this society, the Lottery is the right thing that can be done. For them, not participating and complaining is unfair to everyone else who experiences it the same way, like everyone else. Traditions and customs play an important role in the reasoning behind each conflict depicted in the stories. In The Bet, customs and ideals drive the decision as the men debate the topic of the death penalty versus life in prison. “They considered that form of punishment antiquated, immoral and unsuitable for Christian states (Chekhov 1).” Because of this difference in customs and beliefs, men decide to bet on which punishment was more personally pleasing. At the beginning of the story, the man who voluntarily imprisons himself sees life as infinite and does not see fifteen years as unattainable, believing that he can handle anything. Although, under those circumstances, his morals changed him from an optimistic man with a positive outlook on life, to a well-educated man who finally understood that these finite details of life, such as class, success, wisdom and education mean nothing in the grand scheme of things, because everyone will end up the same way, in death. Accordingly, traditions and customs play a similar role in The Lottery. For the citizens of the city, it is indisputable to carry on the traditions and uphold the values ​​that have survived during the development of their city. With any hint of questioning, people would be scorned and punished for considering going against these customs so dear to them. "Mr. Summers often talked to the villagers about creating a new box, but no one liked to upset even the tradition represented by the black box, (Jackson 3)" means the strength that this town has in.