The Lottery Characters
The main characters in “The Lottery” are Tessie Hutchinson, Mr. Summers, Mr. Graves, Bill Hutchinson.
- Tessie Hutchinson, Bill’s wife, draws the second black dot and is stoned to death by her fellow villagers.
- Mr. Summers is the town official who conducts the lottery and brings out the black box full of paper slips.
- Mr. Graves, the postmaster, brings the stool for the black box to the town square.
- Bill Hutchinson draws the first black dot. Because he is the head of his household, this triggers a second round of drawings for his family.
Characters
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" includes a large number of characters for being a short story. From Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves, who contrast one another, to Mrs. Delacroix and Mrs. Dunbar, many characters exhibit simple behaviors and motivations. Because of this, each in their turn reinforces themes in the story as Tessie's fate is revealed.
Expert Q&A
In "The Lottery," can you identify three moments when characters display dual characteristics?
In "The Lottery," characters display dual characteristics at key moments. Tessie Hutchinson initially appears friendly and neighborly, joking with Mrs. Delacroix, but becomes desperate and self-serving when chosen for the lottery. Mrs. Delacroix, who is friendly towards Tessie, later participates in her stoning. Mr. Summers organizes the lottery with a neighborly demeanor, yet facilitates the brutal ritual, highlighting a sinister side. These moments reveal the conflict between social civility and underlying brutality.
Tessie Hutchinson
Tessie Hutchinson is the main character of Shirley Jackson's “The Lottery.” She is an outspoken mother of three. Unlike the other women in the town, Tessie seems to play a more active role in her marriage. She calls out to her husband as he goes up to draw a lot, which draws laughter from the rest of the crowd. Tessie is also the only character in the short story to verbally express dissatisfaction with the lottery system.
Tessie’s family name, Hutchinson, alludes to the 17th-century religious dissenter Anne Hutchinson. Just as Anne sought to reform her religious community, Tessie seeks to undermine the lottery, suggesting the results are not fair. However, both women are punished for their transgressive attitudes: Anne was excommunicated and exiled, and Tessie is killed.
Tessie can be interpreted in a variety of ways. One interpretation positions her as hypocritical and selfish. From the moment she enters the story, Tessie is disruptive. She arrives late and forces everyone to accommodate her presence as she moves to the front of the crowd. After the results of the first round of the lottery are revealed, she immediately calls for a redo. Tessie proves that she is willing to sacrifice others in exchange for her own well-being, characterizing her as selfish. In a randomized lottery, there is little room for unfairness, but Tessie still alleges that Mr. Summers cheated her husband.
Tessie’s selfishness becomes even more evident when she demands that her married daughter participate in the family lottery. Tessie does not try to protect her children from death. Instead, she attempts to increase her own odds of living. In her final moments, she screams that the lottery is unfair and immoral. However, she has likely helped stone countless others in previous lotteries. By this reading, Tessie’s objections only begin when her own life is in danger.
However, another interpretation suggests that Tessie can be read as a rebel. By this reading, her late arrival is a way of protesting the lottery as an institution. By openly disrespecting the solemnity of the occasion, she undermines its role as a cultural cornerstone. She is also the only person to openly criticize the lottery and its alleged injustice. Even her husband and children remain silent when the Hutchinsons draw the marked paper. Though her protests do not initially call for an end to the lottery, by the end she has decreed the lottery as unjust and immoral. However, as a voice of dissent, Tessie is silenced at every turn. Her husband tells her to “shut up” and her friends urge her to “be a good sport.” Ultimately, her bid to change her society for the better ends as revolutions often do: with death.
Yet another reading positions Tessie as nothing more than a hapless victim of circumstance. This interpretation speaks to the injustice of society and the dangers of tradition. That anyone in the crowd could have won the lottery does not change the fact that Tessie is going to die. The tragedy of her death does not lie in who she is as an individual, but in the injustice it represents. By this reading, Tessie’s declaration at the end of the story is a personal epiphany: it is only upon being subjected to injustice herself that she is able to recognize the injustice of the entire system.
However one decides to read Tessie, her death is still emblematic of the injustice of the lottery. As far as readers are aware, Tessie is innocent. She has not committed any crimes. However, once Tessie is chosen as the lottery winner, she is denied any degree of sympathy or compassion from the community. She is ostracized and forced to face her fate as an individual. Even her own family joins in as she is stoned. Her death is not a punishment for some wrongdoing; rather, it's a ritual killing perpetrated against a seemingly random victim. Ultimately, Tessie’s death asks readers to question the tradition that leads the villagers to perpetrate such meaningless violence.
Expert Q&A
How does the lottery affect Tessie Hutchinson's family and exemplify plot's influence on characters?
The lottery affects Tessie Hutchinson's family by causing internal friction and disunity as they all fear for their personal safety. When Bill Hutchinson draws the fatal black spot, Tessie protests vehemently, revealing a ruthless streak as she tries to involve others. The plot's influence on characters is evident when Tessie intuitively senses her doomed fate, and her family members, relieved they're safe, coldly disregard their mother's impending death, showcasing the lottery's dehumanizing effect.
The reasons behind Tessie Hutchinson being singled out as the "winner" in "The Lottery"
Tessie Hutchinson is singled out as the "winner" in "The Lottery" primarily because of the random nature of the lottery system in the story. Her selection is a result of pure chance, illustrating the arbitrary and senseless violence that the townspeople accept as tradition.
Tessie Hutchinson Character Analysis in "The Lottery"
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," Tessie Hutchinson is a complex character symbolizing both the scapegoat and the rebellion against blind tradition. Initially depicted as a charismatic and outspoken housewife, Tessie arrives late to the lottery, seemingly indifferent until her family's name is drawn. Her protests against the unfairness of the process highlight her resistance and selfishness, as she only objects when personally affected. Tessie ultimately becomes the sacrificial victim, representing the dangers of unexamined traditions and the ease with which communities scapegoat individuals.
How would "The Lottery" change if told from Tessie Hutchinson's first-person point of view? Identify two potential changes.
If "The Lottery" were told from Tessie Hutchinson's first-person perspective, two significant changes would occur. First, the story's element of surprise and shock would diminish, as Tessie's thoughts would reveal her apprehension and potential doubts about the lottery. Second, readers would gain insight into her personal dread and resentment, particularly towards Mr. Summers' joking demeanor, providing a deeper understanding of her emotions and perspective on the tradition.
Mr. Summers
Joe Summers owns the coal company in the town. The townspeople pity him because he is childless and his wife is a “scold.” In addition to putting on a variety of other community events, Mr. Summers is also the lottery officiant. Every year, Mr. Graves and Mr. Summers cut up the slips of paper and prepare the black box for the drawing. During the lottery itself, Mr. Summers greets each family and makes jokes. His assistant, Mr. Martin, holds the black box while Mr. Summers shuffles the paper slips around.
Despite his apparent economic success as the owner of the coal company, the townspeople pity Mr. Summers for having no children. The reason for their pity becomes clear once the true outcome of the lottery is revealed. Since Mr. Summers has no children, he has less people to draw with him should his family win the lottery. This suggests that large families are prized over economic success in this town. Additionally, his wife’s status as a “scold” hints at gender expectations in the town. Women are expected to be quiet and dutiful, not scoldish. They are expected to give their husbands large families in an effort to mitigate the impacts of the lottery. The lottery in this light becomes a tool of patriarchal control.
Mr. Summers is also responsible for many of the changes in the ceremony. It was his idea to replace the traditional wood chips with paper slips. He also wants to make a new black box, since the old one is worn down. Old Man Warner comments on the impropriety of Mr. Summers’s making jokes while conducting the lottery. All of this suggests that Mr. Summers does not regard the lottery with the same reverence that some of the other townspeople do. Instead, it is just another civic duty that he wants to make more efficient. Mr. Summers is one of its most vocal advocates, possibly because serving as the officiant gives Mr. Summers a degree of prestige.
Mr. Summers’s name links him irrevocably with the lottery, which is held during the summer. It is also evocative of his role in the lottery proceedings. Whereas Mr. Graves is a solemn, silent presence, Mr. Summers is bright and cheerful. He puts a pleasant face on the otherwise grim occasion. However, the names “Summers” and “Graves” also serve as a constant reminder to the townspeople: when summer arrives, someone will go to their grave.
Expert Q&A
What is ironic about Mr. Summers' various roles in "The Lottery"?
The irony of Mr. Summers' roles in "The Lottery" lies in his outwardly jovial demeanor and involvement in organizing harmless civic activities, which starkly contrasts with his management of the deadly lottery. Despite being perceived as a sympathetic figure due to his personal life, his role in the lottery reveals a darker aspect of the town's traditions. The villagers' avoidance of him during the lottery hints at the sinister nature of this supposedly routine event.
Why does Mr. Summers call the names quickly in "The Lottery"?
Mr. Summers calls the names quickly during the lottery to minimize disputes and because he does not enjoy his role in the ritual. His haste reflects a desire to complete the unpleasant task as soon as possible, indicating his discomfort with the tradition. Despite recognizing its flaws, he adheres to the ritual, aiming to finish it quickly and return to normalcy, demonstrating blind adherence to tradition.
Mr. and Mrs. Graves
Mr. Graves is the postmaster for the town. Together with Mr. Summers, he hosts the annual lottery. Though he does not have any dialogue, Mr. Graves is responsible for “swearing-in” Mr. Summers. Mr. Graves also helps Dave Hutchinson draw his lot during the Hutchinson family lottery, since Dave is too young to do it himself.
The name “Graves” aligns Mr. Graves with death. This is fitting, considering his role in the lottery. Every year, Mr. Graves oversees the lottery proceedings. Symbolically, Mr. Graves represents mortality. Each person in the town must confront their own mortality when they draw a slip from the black box. As they do so, they must also confront Mr. Graves.
The relationship between Mr. Summers and Mr. Graves is also symbolic. Mr. Summers is the friendly, unassuming face that everyone associates with the lottery. However, behind him stands Mr. Graves. Mr. Summers cannot begin the lottery until he has been sworn in by Mr. Graves, suggesting that death is what truly rules the town.
Mrs. Graves is married to Mr. Graves. When Tessie complains that the lottery is unfair, Mrs. Graves reminds her that everyone took the same chance. Though superficially a means of scolding Tessie, this comment also speaks to the randomness and inevitability of death more generally. Just as her husband represents mortality, so too does Mrs. Graves. The people of the town each take the “same chance” every year. Mrs. Graves has no sympathy for Tessie since, in her eyes, everyone dies. The lottery simply forces people to confront their own mortality.
Old Man Warner
Old Man Warner is the oldest resident of the town. He has participated in the lottery 77 times and is a staunch proponent of the system. When Mr. and Mrs. Adams mention that other towns have stopped doing the lottery, Old Man Warner is disgusted. He believes that the lottery is necessary to the town's survival. He blames young people for the increasing number of towns who plan to give up the lottery.
For Old Man Warner, the lottery is a mark of civilized society. He worries that without the lottery, people will return to “living in caves.” His name is also meaningful. A “warner” is someone who warns others. Old Man Warner warns the townspeople about the dangers of giving up the lottery. He is a voice of caution that reminds the townspeople of what they stand to lose by giving up their traditions. However, whether his warnings are true or not is left ambiguous.
Expert Q&A
In "The Lottery," what does "lottery in June, corn be heavy soon" mean, according to Old Man Warner?
The phrase "lottery in June, corn be heavy soon," according to Old Man Warner, suggests that the annual lottery ensures a bountiful harvest. It implies a belief in a ritualistic human sacrifice to please the gods or unseen forces, ensuring the town's survival and agricultural success. Old Man Warner, valuing tradition, is shocked at the idea of abandoning the lottery, linking it directly to the prosperity of their crops.
Why is it ironic when Old Man Warner calls villagers who don't have a lottery "crazy fools"?
It is ironic when Old Man Warner calls villagers who have abolished the lottery "crazy fools" because, in reality, those villagers are rational and progressive. The irony lies in the fact that Old Man Warner and his community are the true "crazy fools" for maintaining a barbaric ritual where an innocent person is stoned to death, believing it will improve crop yields. This reflects their blind adherence to a senseless, outdated tradition.
Old Man Warner's Role and Attitude in "The Lottery"
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," Old Man Warner symbolizes the blind adherence to tradition and resistance to change. As the oldest villager, having survived 77 lotteries, he staunchly defends the ritual, dismissing towns that have abandoned it as "crazy fools." His character embodies the generational divide and the dangers of unreflective conformity. Warner's insistence on maintaining the lottery underscores the story's critique of societal practices that persist solely due to tradition, despite their brutality and irrationality.
What inferences can be drawn from Old Man Warner's statements and the participants' behavior in "The Lottery"?
Inferences from Old Man Warner's statements and the participants' behavior in "The Lottery" reveal the town's uncritical adherence to tradition. Old Man Warner's dismissal of abandoning the lottery underscores the powerful hold of tradition, resisting change. The townspeople's casual acceptance of the lottery, despite its brutality, further illustrates this. Although some, like the Adamses, hint at change, voices like Tessie's only rise when personally threatened, highlighting the difficulty of initiating change without broader courage and commitment.
What is the significance of Old Man Warner participating in the lottery 77 times?
Old Man Warner's participation in the lottery 77 times underscores his unwavering support for tradition and the lottery's role in the community. His repeated survival reinforces his belief in the lottery's fairness and necessity, as he has never drawn the fatal slip. His attitude contrasts with Tessie Hutchinson's realization of the lottery's inherent injustice, highlighting themes of blind tradition and self-preservation in the story.
Why is old man Warner against giving up the lottery?
Old Man Warner is against giving up the lottery due to his deep-rooted belief in tradition and superstition, thinking it ensures a good harvest. He derides younger generations for considering its abolition and sees it as essential to maintaining societal order. Additionally, having survived 77 lotteries, he takes pride in his longevity and views the event as an exciting break from routine. He fears change and believes that discontinuing the lottery could lead to societal regression.
Character traits and traditionalism of Old Man Warner in "The Lottery"
Old Man Warner in "The Lottery" embodies staunch traditionalism and resistance to change. He is fiercely loyal to the lottery, viewing it as a necessary tradition for the town's well-being and dismissing any notion of abandoning it as foolishness. His character traits include stubbornness, adherence to old customs, and a dismissive attitude toward any form of innovation or critique of established practices.
Mrs. Delacroix
Mrs. Delacroix is the first to greet Tessie after Tessie arrives late to the lottery. Mrs. Delacroix reassures her that the lottery has not yet started. The two share a laugh before Tessie goes to join her family, suggesting that they are friends. However, when Tessie protests the unfairness of the lottery, Mrs. Delacroix scolds her. After Tessie wins the lottery, Mrs. Delacroix picks up a rock so large that she needs “both hands” to lift it.
Mrs. Delacroix represents the veneer of civility that overlays systemic violence. On the surface, she is a kindly villager, willing to share a laugh with Tessie even though Tessie was late. However, she also willingly and eagerly perpetuates the violence of the lottery. In her mind, Tessie’s death is justifiable. Mrs. Delacroix urges Tessie to accept her death and “be a good sport.” In addition, her name, “Delacroix,” means “of the cross” in French. This evokes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the concept of martyrdom. By telling Tessie to “be a good sport,” Mrs. Delacroix seems to suggest that Tessie ought to embrace her role as a martyr. However, it is simple for those who are not being victimized to tell others what they ought to do. It is left for readers to wonder if Mrs. Delacroix would have been “a good sport” had she been chosen as the winner.
Expert Q&A
Why does Mrs. Delacroix pick up a large stone in "The Lottery"?
In "The Lottery," Mrs. Delacroix picks up a large stone, possibly to conform to the cruel tradition of the lottery by trying to end it swiftly. Alternatively, she may choose a stone too large to effectively throw, symbolizing a reluctance to harm her friend Tessie while appearing to participate. This dual interpretation reflects the complexity of human nature and societal pressure, allowing readers to decide her true intentions.
How might Mrs. Delacroix justify Tessie's killing in "The Lottery"?
Mrs. Delacroix might justify Tessie's killing by adhering to the longstanding tradition of the lottery, as she is influenced by the "opium of custom." Despite her friendliness towards Tessie, she believes everyone must accept the ritual's outcome, as "all of us took the same chance." Her participation, including picking a heavy stone, reflects a mix of relief that she wasn't chosen and a rationalization of the lottery's purpose through a sadistic lens.
Bill Hutchinson
Bill Hutchinson is Tessie’s husband. Bill arrives on time to the lottery with his children. The crowd teases Bill about Tessie’s late arrival. He scolds Tessie for protesting the outcome of the lottery, telling her to “shut up.” After each member of the Hutchinson family has drawn their lot, Bill forcibly takes Tessie’s paper slip and reveals it to the crowd.
Bill Jr., Nancy, and Dave Hutchinson
Bill Jr., Nancy, and Dave Hutchinson are Tessie and Bill Hutchinson’s three unmarried children. Alongside their parents, they participate in the annual lottery. Nancy is twelve, and her school friends hope that she does not win. This sentiment foreshadows the gruesome fate of the lottery winner. It also suggests that the townspeople, especially the younger ones, do not enjoy the lottery, since it requires them to kill their friends. Dave is a young child, so Mr. Graves has to help him draw his paper slip. The crowd is relieved to discover that Dave did not draw the marked slip. His inability to draw for himself suggests that he is very young, and the crowd's relief that he is not chosen also speaks to an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the tradition. Though the town kills Tessie without protest, their relief over not having to stone a small child suggests some degree of moral opposition to the act.
Mr. and Mrs. Adams
Mr. and Mrs. Adams talk with Old Man Warner about how other towns have stopped holding a lottery. Though their thoughts on the matter are not explored, they do not dismiss the idea like Old Man Warner does. Their name also has symbolic connotations to Adam, the first man in Christian theology. In the biblical book of Genesis, Adam and Eve obtain knowledge of good and evil by eating forbidden fruit. As a result, they are expelled from the Garden of Eden. Civilization was then born, since God no longer provided everything for them. In the context of “The Lottery,” Mr. and Mrs. Adams introduce knowledge into the world by informing everyone that other towns have stopped hosting lotteries. Now, instead of being a universally accepted practice, the lottery is a choice. This forces readers and the townspeople to confront the morality of ritual sacrifice in the name of social welfare.
Expert Q&A
How do Mr. and Mrs. Adams' differing views create tension with Old Man Warner?
Mr. and Mrs. Adams create tension with Old Man Warner in "The Lottery" by questioning the necessity of continuing the lottery tradition, which Old Man Warner staunchly defends. Mr. Adams mentions that some northern villages are considering abandoning the lottery, and Mrs. Adams supports him by noting some have already done so. Old Man Warner dismisses these ideas as foolish, believing that abandoning the lottery would lead to societal chaos, highlighting the tension between tradition and progress.
Mrs. Dunbar
Mrs. Dunbar takes her husband’s place to draw in the lottery, since Mr. Dunbar has a broken leg. Mr. Summers reacts with disapproval to the idea of a woman drawing for her family. However, he permits it since none of her sons are old enough to do it. When the time comes to reveal which family won the lottery, the townspeople at first suspect either the Dunbars or the Watsons. When the time comes to stone Tessie, Mrs. Dunbar remains towards the back of the crowd and only picks up small stones.
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