Student Question
In "The Lottery," why is Mr. Adams at the head of the crowd to stone Tessie Hutchinson?
Quick answer:
Mr. Adams is at the head of the crowd stoning Tessie Hutchinson possibly due to symbolic reasons. His name, "Adams," may allude to the Biblical Adam, suggesting a primal or foundational role in the ritual. Additionally, since the lottery draws in alphabetical order, Adams would naturally be first, aligning with his position at the forefront. Standing beside Mrs. Graves, the symbolism of leading Tessie to her death is further emphasized.
One could come up with very different justifications behind the fact that Shirley Jackson places Mr. Steve Adams at the head of the crowd waiting to stone Tessie Hutchinson.
Old Man Warner was saying, "Come on, come on, everyone." Steve Adams was in the front of the crowd of villagers, with Mrs. Graves beside him.
I tend to believe that Jackson was bringing into her text a small bit of Biblical ideology. To justify this, examine his name: Adams. Adam was, according to Christian ideology, the first man. Given that Steve Adams bears the name of God's first human, who better than to be heading the crowd?
Outside of that, Steve Adams was the first one to draw during the lottery. Families drew according to last name (in alphabetical order). If he is the first to draw, it would seem that he would be the first in line to stone the "winner."
Another point to raise is that Mr. Graves is standing right next to Steve Adams. Symbolically this makes sense. Tessie will be sent to her grave at the hands of the villagers.
Therefore, a man leads Tessie to her grave. What better statement to make than Adam (the first man) leading the winner to her grave?
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