As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to linger, the imposition of social isolation and work-at-home policies has brought renewed reflection on the relationship of the individual to society. And while traditional social critics and philosophers could never have anticipated the complexities of our modern situation, in some strands of the literature there’s an argument that feelings of ‘alienation’ have long been endemic. Bringing this idea to the forefront, Intira Charuchinda’s article titled “Alienation in the Games of Chance Under Capitalism”, gives an analysis of two short stories through the lens of a Marxist critique of capitalism. Short stories, as a form of narrative fiction, can first put us in a protagonist’s point of view; this then can lead readers to empathize more with the character’s struggles. However, with additional interpretation and scholarly commentary like Charuchinda’s, readers may end up better equipped to dissect and discuss the themes presented within the texts.
The Lottery of Karma by Chanthi Deuanesavanh and Lottery by Catherine Lim are two short stories by S.E.A. awardees set in Southeast Asian contexts. Common to both stories is the role of gambling or ‘games of chance’ in the character’s lives — but more specifically, it is how a lack of fulfillment in each character’s lives leads to gambling which is the central focus of these tales. Using Marxist themes, Intira Charuchinda, an Assistant Professor at Phranakhon Rajabhat University, discusses the role local lotteries have in constructing the inner turmoil of each story’s character. Of special interest here is that the settings of these stories, Singapore and Laos, only relatively recently have experienced the type of economic development which was the original target of the Marxist critique. And although lotteries and gambling are known the world over, the Southeast Asian context adds a unique flavor, with cultural practices and superstitions used for obtaining lucky numbers appearing in both stories. Tying together the impact of capitalism and games of chance on individuals from the working class, Charuchinda discusses how these contribute to a sense of alienation, a feeling which she sketches in terms of “powerlessness,” “meaninglessness,” “normlessness” and “estrangement.”
Providing a structured analysis, Charuchinda walks readers through how each author describes the lives and thoughts of the lottery players. Important terminology here are the roles of laborers, capitalists, and consumers. Within the article, each role acts as a context of discussion on how capitalistic systems drive particular behaviors, but also how they are linked to feelings of alienation. For example, in discussing The Lottery of Karma, we are shown how in the solitude of a motorcycle repair shop, the drudgery of the protagonist’s job exemplifies the unfulfillment and alienation born of his labor. Charuchinda, interestingly points out how the Laotian repairman’s dream of being a tuk-tuk taxi driver is a career with connotations of more freedom. Key in this story and for the article’s analysis in general is the idea that the characters’ hopes are depicted as being dependent on winning the lottery. The setting of Laos is particularly interesting for this one story because, as pointed out in the article, the nation formerly adhered to Marxist ideas, but has since gone through market reforms, and as characterized in the story, has seen a subsequent influx of commodities and growth in capitalist consumers. Therefore, though this is a fictional tale, the short story provides readers with access to first-person sentiments during a time of economic change. Thus, while the authors of the short stories can convey this sense of alienation, it’s Charuchinda’s scholarly commentary which makes the deeper themes more explicit.
Throughout the article there are several topics which present interesting areas for conversation. For example, the idea that ethics and social norms motivated by capitalism and financial success have become messages which are our “models and myths.” While well-written literature can speak to the heart, Charuchinda’s analysis speaks to the mind, by clearly outlining ideas with which we might discuss these modern “myths.” And although there’s a large amount of literature behind these ideas, within the article Charuchinda does a great job of conveying their essence, allowing readers to get the basics as well as the gist of the stories, without requiring any reading of the source material. “Alienation in the Games of Chance Under Capitalism,” is a concise application of literary criticism onto short stories written by S.E.A. Write Awardees. The article is a unique discussion of Marxist ideas, gambling, and literature from the Southeast Asian region. Whether it’s economics and Buddhist notions of Karma or superstitions and the lottery, the juxtaposition of these ideas and themes creates an article which is guaranteed to lead to provocative discussion. This article would work well as an example of literary analysis, or it could also serve as an excellent companion piece to the source material. In the end, whether the article motivates readers to seek out the short stories or delve more deeply into the philosophical literature, giving it a chance is well worth the gamble.