The Lottery Questions on Mr. Adams
The Lottery
Character analysis and roles of protagonists, antagonists, and other key figures in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," the protagonist is Tessie Hutchinson, who ultimately becomes the victim of the town's brutal ritual. The antagonist is the collective village, which blindly...
The Lottery
In "The Lottery," why is Mr. Adams at the head of the crowd to stone Tessie Hutchinson?
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...
The Lottery
What other examples of scapegoating are there in the story? What attitudes do the characters have towards the ritual?
The lottery is an ancient and sacred tradition, the purpose of which has been forgotten over time. It's a scapegoat ritual, but it isn't always clear that the villagers choose Tessie because they...
The Lottery
How does the villagers' speech in "The Lottery" reveal their characters and actions?
The villagers speak in different ways, from the matter-of-fact to the vicious. Those who submit to tradition and majority rule are guilt-ridden; those who question are ignored, rebuked, and...
The Lottery
Did Mr. and Mrs. Adams want Tessie to die in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?
Mr. and Mrs. Adams did not explicitly want Tessie to die in "The Lottery." While they might be relieved that they were not chosen, they do not express a desire for anyone to die. In fact, they hint...