Thesis statement: The result of human folly is shown in both stories, which contain similarities and differences through the elements of themes, symbolism, and characterization.

I. Theme
A. Preservation of history
B. Destruction of history

II. Symbolism
A. Black box
- Symbol of the way things have always been, and the way people settle into doing things the way they were taught rather than thinking for themselves
B. House - Symbol of the way things have always been, there is always an upper class, there is always corruption
III. Characterization
A. Tessie
1. Jokes around, vocal about opinions
2. Backed by feeling of injustice
B. Trevor 1. Quiet, withdrawn, appears indifferent, schemes on his own 2. Backed by feelings of bitterness

Both “The Destructors,” by Graham Greene, and “The Lottery,” by Shirley Jackson offer insight to the limited wisdom of man, as well as his stubbornness and sin nature. When man is left to his own devices and limited knowledge, destruction is sure to follow. The result of human folly is shown in both stories, which contain similarities and differences through the elements of theme, symbolism, and characterization.
Although in both stories the prevailing theme is that of established history, one sets out to destroy history and the other seeks to change it for the better. Steve Maraboli stated, “Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.” This is a revelation that Trevor should have come to, but he instead chose to allow negative circumstances of his past control his future. As a result, he devised plans that hurt those around him and led more young people astray. He chose to tear down the historical constructs of the past- which in his mind was the idea of the elite