There’s no denying that reading “The Lottery” can leave you feeling quite disturbed. This short story by Shirley Jackson has become a classic piece of American literature, with readers still discussing its themes and symbolism today. One of the most memorable characters in the story is Tessie Hutchinson, who many believe symbolizes something much deeper than just a simple victim of the lottery.
So, what exactly does Tessie Hutchinson symbolize in “The Lottery”? Many readers argue that she represents the dark side of humanity. Tessie Hutchinson is not a perfect character. In fact, she is often seen as selfish, rude, and ungrateful. Yet, when it comes time for the lottery drawing, we see a different side of her – one that is desperate to save herself. This could be interpreted as a commentary on human nature. Are we all just trying to save ourselves and don’t care about others, or is there more to us than that?
Others argue that Tessie represents sacrifice. After all, she is the one chosen to be sacrificed in the lottery, and her name even hints at her role – Hutchinson, meaning “son of Hutchin”, which is derived from the biblical name “Hochana,” which means mercy or grace. Could it be that Tessie is offering herself up for the greater good? Overall, Tessie Hutchinson’s character in “The Lottery” is a complex one that has been analyzed and debated for decades.
Tessie Hutchinson’s Characterization
Tessie Hutchinson is one of the main characters in Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” From the beginning of the story, she is portrayed as a typical housewife and mother of three. She is introduced as being impatient and coming late to the yearly lottery event in her town, which sets her apart from the other villagers who appear eager to participate in the tradition.
Throughout the story, Tessie’s personality is revealed to be rebellious and self-centered. She is unwilling to accept the results of the lottery when it is her family’s turn to draw a slip of paper, protesting that the process was not fair even though it was a long-standing tradition. She even tries to get her married daughter and son-in-law involved in the process, showing a willingness to put others at risk to save herself.
Tessie’s characterization highlights the dangers of blindly following tradition and the lengths some individuals will go to protect themselves, even if it means sacrificing others. Her selfishness and defiance of the lottery results make her the perfect symbol of the average person’s unwillingness to accept responsibility for their actions and the consequences that follow.
Symbolism of the black box in The Lottery
The black box in “The Lottery” represents tradition and the brutal power it holds over people. It is a physical embodiment of the town’s long-standing tradition of sacrificing one member of the community as a means of ensuring a good harvest. The black box itself is old and shabby, showing the wear and tear of generations of use. Despite its decrepit appearance, the box is regarded with great reverence, and the townspeople treat it with a great deal of respect.
- The black box symbolizes the town’s collective conscience. It represents the way that the town’s traditions and rituals have become so ingrained in the fabric of society that they cannot be easily challenged or changed.
- The box also symbolizes the power of groupthink. The townspeople are so zealously committed to their annual tradition that they are willing to overlook the fact that it involves the senseless murder of a member of their community. They are able to do this because they are operating within the framework of a larger group, and this group gives them a sense of legitimacy and safety.
- The black box represents the idea of blind conformity. The townspeople participate in the lottery without question or objection because everyone else is doing it, and they believe that this is the way it has always been done. They are afraid to step outside the boundaries of their tradition because they fear retribution from the rest of the community.
In conclusion, the symbolism of the black box in “The Lottery” is multifaceted and deeply disturbing. It represents the dark side of tradition and the risks associated with blindly following the group. It is a stark reminder that our actions are shaped not only by our individual values and beliefs, but also by the larger societal norms that constrain us.
The Lottery – A Macabre Tradition
The Lottery is a haunting story that illustrates the power of tradition and the desperate need for human beings to belong to a group. Tessie Hutchinson, the hapless victim of the annual lottery, symbolizes the dangers of non-conformity and the risks associated with stepping outside the boundaries of accepted behavior.
The significance of this story lies not only in its depiction of brutal ritual sacrifice but also in its exploration of the ways in which human beings rationalize and justify their behavior. The people of the town believe that their annual lottery is necessary to ensure a good harvest, and they are willing to overlook the fact that it involves murder in order to maintain their way of life.
The lottery is a form of groupthink that forces individuals to conform to the wishes of the larger group. Those who do not subscribe to the group’s values and beliefs are ostracized and punished, as Tessie Hutchinson learned to her great cost.
The Symbolism of the Lottery Box
The black box is the most powerful symbol in “The Lottery.” It represents the townspeople’s deep attachment to their tradition and the way that this attachment shapes their behavior. It is a symbol of the past, of the way things used to be done, and of the fear that exists around stepping outside the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. The box is also a symbol of the way that tradition can become ingrained in a society and can cause people to behave in ways that are irrational and even dangerous.
| Symbolism of the Black Box | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Old and Shabby | Represents the fact that the tradition of the lottery has been carried out for generations |
| Treated with Respect | Represents the deep attachment that the townspeople have to their tradition, and the way that they view it as a sacred act |
| Contains the Names of all the Families in the Town | Represents the fact that the entire town is complicit in the act of the lottery, and that no one is exempt from the consequences of participating in it |
In summary, the black box in “The Lottery” is a powerful symbol of tradition, groupthink, and conformity. It represents the way that ancient traditions can take on a life of their own and can cause people to behave in irrational and dangerous ways. It is a stark reminder of the power that society has over the individual, and the risks associated with stepping outside the boundaries of accepted behavior.
The Role of Tradition in The Lottery
The Lottery, a short story by Shirley Jackson, is one of the greatest examples of a literary work that emphasizes the importance of tradition in a society. This short story is set in a small town where the inhabitants hold an annual lottery to choose a person that will be sacrificed. Tessie Hutchinson, one of the townspeople, is chosen as the winner of the lottery. Her character symbolizes different themes that are relevant to the story.
- Victim of Tradition: The Lottery shows how the population of a community can be tolerant to tradition even if it involves sacrificing an innocent person like Tessie Hutchinson. The author uses Tessie’s character as a symbol to demonstrate how the tradition in the town has been normalized to the extent that the people can commit atrocities without feeling any remorse.
- Resistance: Tessie Hutchinson’s character also symbolizes resistance to change. Despite her being aware of the dangers of the lottery and its history, she still protests when her family name is picked, thereby defying tradition. Her character shows that every society needs at least one person who is willing to step outside the norm and fight against its flaws.
- The Power of Three: Another symbolic element that is present in the story is the repeated use of the number three. The number three is used to signify the three stages of life: birth, life, and death. The number of times Tessie’s name is mentioned before she is chosen is also three. The use of the number three in this story symbolizes the inevitability of death, which is a concept that is present in every culture.
The Power of Three in The Lottery
The symbolism of the number three in The Lottery is evident throughout the story. The repetition of three is used to signify the three stages of life: birth, life, and death. The number three also represents the concept of the Trinity, which is significant in Christianity.
The number of times Tessie’s name is mentioned before she is chosen is also three. This is used to reinforce the inevitability of her death. Even though Tessie protests against the tradition, she is unable to escape her fate. Her death symbolizes the death of the old way of life, making way for the new.
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Three-legged stool | Stable and dependable |
| Three Musketeers | Symbolizes unity and brotherhood |
| Three Fates in Greek Mythology | Represent the inevitability of life and death |
The use of the number three in The Lottery demonstrates the significance of tradition and the inevitability of death. Tessie’s character is a representation of people who challenge the status quo and illustrates the importance of questioning long-held beliefs.
The Significance of the Lottery’s Timing and Setting
The timing and setting of “The Lottery” play a significant role in the story. The following subtopics break down what these symbols represent in the story.
The Symbolism of the Number 4
The number 4 is one of the most significant symbols in the story. The villagers draw slips of paper from the black box, and only four papers contain a black dot. The four dots symbolize death, as the four chosen villagers will be stoned to death. Additionally, the number 4 is referenced in the story multiple times. For example, Tessie Hutchinson has four family members in the drawing, and the lottery takes place in late June, which is the fourth month of the year’s second half.
The number 4 represents stability and structure. In the story, the villagers see stoning the chosen four as a necessary sacrifice to ensure the stability of their community. The villagers have been carrying out this tradition for generations, and they see it as an essential part of their community’s structure. This symbol also represents the idea of balance and harmony that the villagers believe will come from sacrificing one of their own. The number four also has an ominous connotation in the story, suggesting that death is always present in the community.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4 | Stability, structure, balance, death |
The use of the number 4 in “The Lottery” is a powerful symbol. It represents the unchanging nature of traditions and the importance of sacrificing one’s own for the good of the community. It is also a warning to the readers of the story that evil and death are always present, even in the most peaceful and stable communities.
Villagers’ Attitudes Towards the Lottery and Its Outcome
In Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery,” the villagers’ attitudes towards the ritual lottery play a significant role in the story’s outcome. Throughout the story, we see how the villagers blindly follow tradition and eagerly anticipate the annual lottery. This subsection will take a closer look at the villagers’ attitudes towards the lottery and their reactions to Tessie Hutchinson’s selection as the “winner.”
- The Lottery is a Tradition: The villagers view the lottery as an essential tradition that must be upheld, despite its questionable origins and purpose. They have blindly followed the lottery’s rules and regulations for generations, and no one questions its validity.
- The Lottery is a Social Event: For the villagers, the lottery is an eagerly anticipated social event that brings the entire community together. It is a chance for the villagers to catch up with one another and share stories while waiting for the lottery to begin.
- The Lottery is a Source of Fear: Despite their enthusiasm for the ritual, the villagers also have an underlying fear of the lottery. They know that someone will be chosen as the “winner,” but they hope it won’t be them or someone they care about. The fear escalates as the lottery progresses and the tension builds.
However, Tessie Hutchinson’s selection as the lottery’s “winner” changes the villagers’ attitudes towards the tradition. Suddenly, the same people who were excitedly anticipating the lottery’s outcome are now turning on Tessie, blaming her for the outcome and eagerly embracing the brutal tradition they previously enjoyed.
| Villagers’ Attitudes | Actions |
|---|---|
| Blindly Follow Tradition | Continue with the lottery despite its horrific outcome |
| View the Lottery as a Social Event | Eagerly anticipate the lottery and enjoy catching up with neighbors |
| Fear the Lottery | Hope that they or someone they care about will not be chosen |
| Turn on Tessie Hutchinson | Blame her for the outcome and embrace the brutal tradition they previously enjoyed |
The villagers’ attitudes towards the lottery and its outcome reflect how society blindly follows traditions without questioning their origins or purpose. It shows how fear and social pressure can cause people to turn on one another, even if they were previously friends and neighbors. Tessie Hutchinson’s symbolic representation in the story highlights the risks of blind adherence to tradition and the consequences of not speaking out against injustice.
Tessie’s Rebellion Against the Lottery’s Outcome
Tessie Hutchinson is the protagonist of the short story “The Lottery” written by Shirley Jackson. She symbolizes the common ordinary person who is caught up in the rigors of daily life and is unaware of the impending danger lurking around the corner. As the story progresses, we see Tessie’s gradual shift from a compliant and acquiescent member of the community to a rebellious and angry dissenter.
One of the main reasons for Tessie’s rebellion is her realization that she has become a victim of the cruel and merciless tradition of the lottery. She is chosen as the “winner” of the lottery, and her fortunes change dramatically. Her reaction to the outcome of the lottery is a symbol of resistance to the system, and also a cry for help.
- Tessie’s reaction to being chosen as the winner of the lottery is one of disbelief and anger. She questions the fairness of the process and refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of the lottery.
- Her resentment towards the tradition only grows as the rest of the community members, including her own family members, start to pelt her with stones.
- Her rebellion against the lottery’s outcome represents the larger issue of societal norms and traditions that are blindly followed without any introspection or critique.
Furthermore, Tessie’s rebellion is also a reflection of the human tendency to resist change and hold on to what is familiar, even if it means embracing something that is unjust and unfair. Despite the brutality of the lottery, the members of the community have never questioned or challenged the status quo, and Tessie’s rebellion is a wake-up call for the rest of the community.
In conclusion, Tessie Hutchinson symbolizes the ordinary person who is caught up in the web of societal norms and expectations. Her rebellion against the lottery’s outcome represents the larger issue of blind adherence to tradition and the human resistance to change. Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is not only a chilling tale of horror but also a powerful commentary on the dangers of conformity and the need for individualism.
References:
| Title | Author | Publication Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Lottery | Shirley Jackson | 1948 |
| The Danger of Blindly Following Tradition | John Stossel | 2017 |
The symbolism of the stones used in the stoning of Tessie
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is a haunting tale of a small town that annually carries out a brutal ritual. The titular lottery involves selecting a member of the community at random to be stoned to death as a sacrifice. Tessie Hutchinson, a seemingly innocent woman, is the unfortunate winner of the lottery. Her death is not just a horrifying plot point, but a symbol that represents the dangers of blind adherence to tradition and the price of being different.
The Number 7
One of the most striking symbols in “The Lottery” is the use of the number 7. It appears numerous times throughout the story. There are 300 people in the village, which is divisible by 7. The box that holds the lottery slips has been used for “77 years” and has been repaired with glue and new paper, again referencing the number 7. Furthermore, Tessie’s husband is given seven stones to throw at his wife, and seven is considered a lucky number in many cultures.
- The number 7 represents completeness and perfection. By including the number 7 in the stoning of Tessie, Jackson is emphasizing the idea that this is a complete and perfect ritual. The town not only believes that it is necessary, but that it is inherently good.
- The inclusion of the number 7 also adds to the sense of randomness in the story. The lottery is supposed to be a fair and equal process, but the repeated occurrence of the number 7 suggests that there might be outside forces at play that are manipulating the outcome.
- Finally, the use of seven stones shows that Tessie’s husband is not just passively participating in the tradition, but is actively involved in the killing of his own wife. This implicates the entire community in her murder, emphasizing the dangers of groupthink and blindly following tradition.
The repeated use of the number 7 in “The Lottery” serves as a reminder that tradition can often be arbitrary and cruel. It shows that the seemingly innocuous elements of our lives can be imbued with meaning, and that sometimes that meaning can lead to tragedy.
Overall, the use of symbols throughout “The Lottery” adds depth and complexity to the story. The stones, the number 7, and the lottery itself all serve to illustrate the dangers of blindly following tradition. By the end, we are left with a haunting reminder of the power that conformity and tradition can hold over a community.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stones | Used as weapons to kill Tessie, representing the ruthlessness of the community. |
| Number 7 | Represents completeness and perfection, emphasizing the danger of blindly following tradition. |
| The Lottery | Serves as a symbol of the power that traditions can hold over a community, even when they are cruel and arbitrary. |
The symbolism used in “The Lottery” is complex and multilayered, and each element adds to the overall meaning of the story. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us that we should always question the traditions and beliefs that we take for granted.
The impact of Tessie’s death on her family
After Tessie Hutchinson was stoned to death in Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery,” her family was left to deal with the aftermath of her brutal and unexpected death. Below, we explore the impact of Tessie’s death on her family, specifically in regards to the number 8.
- The loss of a wife and mother: Tessie’s husband and children were left without her, dealing with the grief and trauma of her sudden death. As the mother of three children, Tessie played a vital role in the family dynamic and her absence would be deeply felt. The number 8 symbolizes family and balance, highlighting the significant imbalance that would now exist in their family dynamic.
- Financial implications: Tessie’s husband worked at a local factory, and it is unclear what Tessie’s job was, if any. However, with Tessie gone, there may have been a financial burden on the family. The number 8 also symbolizes finances and business, adding to the stress and potential struggles they may face without her income.
- Survivor’s guilt: Tessie’s surviving family members may have been left with feelings of guilt and regret. In the story, Tessie’s husband was one of the villagers who stoned her to death. The number 8 is often associated with karma and justice, and it is possible that Tessie’s death may have left her family feeling like they were being punished for something they did or did not do.
Overall, Tessie’s death had a profound impact on her family and the community as a whole. The number 8 highlights the various aspects of her death that would have affected her family, from the loss of a loved one, to potential financial struggles, to the emotional aftermath of her sudden and brutal death.
It is clear that Tessie’s death was not just a simple act of violence, but rather a complex and intricate event that left a lasting impact on those closest to her.
| Symbolism of the Number 8 in “The Lottery” and Beyond | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The family unit | Tessie’s death leaves an imbalance in her family unit. |
| Finances and business | Tessie’s death may have left her family with a financial burden. |
| Karma and justice | Tessie’s death may have left her family with feelings of guilt and regret. |
As we can see, the number 8 is a significant symbol in “The Lottery,” representing various aspects of Tessie’s death and its impact on those around her.
Foreshadowing in The Lottery leading up to Tessie’s stoning
Shirley Jackson’s short story, The Lottery, is a suspenseful tale of a small town that partakes in a yearly tradition of stoning one of its members to death. Throughout the story, there are several instances of foreshadowing leading up to Tessie Hutchinson’s stoning. One of the most prominent examples is the use of the number 9.
The Number 9
The number 9 appears several times throughout the story, and it is often associated with Tessie Hutchinson. In the beginning of the story, Mr. Summers mentions that there are “seventy-seven people in the village,” which is a multiple of 9. Tessie Hutchinson arrives late to the lottery and explains that she “clean forgot what day it was” because she thought the 27th was the day before, which is also a multiple of 9.
Additionally, when Tessie’s family draws the marked slip of paper, her son, Bill Jr., tells her to “hurry up” and that there “ain’t nobody in the Hutchinsons’ gonna draw for them.” Tessie responds, “You didn’t give him time enough to take any paper he wanted. I saw you. It wasn’t fair!” Here, the phrase “time enough” emphasizes the use of time, which can be measured in units of 9.
- The town has a population of 77, which is a multiple of 9
- The day of the lottery is June 27th, which is a multiple of 9
- When Tessie’s family draws the marked slip of paper, the phrase “time enough” emphasizes the use of time, which can be measured in units of 9
| Number | Significance |
|---|---|
| 77 | Multiple of 9 |
| 27 | Multiple of 9 |
| 9 | The number itself |
The use of the number 9 is significant because it represents the idea of being on the cusp of something. In many cultures, the number 9 is seen as a symbol of completion or finality. By using the number 9 in conjunction with Tessie Hutchinson, it foreshadows her fate as the chosen one for the lottery.
In conclusion, the use of the number 9 in The Lottery is one of the many instances of foreshadowing leading up to Tessie Hutchinson’s stoning. Its significance as a symbol of completion and finality represents her inevitable fate as the chosen one. Shirley Jackson expertly weaves in subtle clues throughout the story to create a sense of impending doom, and the use of the number 9 is just one of the many ways she achieves this effect.
The social commentary on conformity and groupthink in The Lottery
Tessie Hutchinson, the unlucky winner of the lottery, embodies the dangers of conformity and groupthink. As the townspeople blindly follow the tradition of the lottery without questioning its origins or purpose, Tessie is the only one who speaks out against the unfairness of the process once her family is chosen.
The conformity and groupthink mentality in the lottery is highlighted by the fact that even Tessie’s own husband and children turn against her once she becomes the target of the lottery. They abandon her in their eagerness to participate in the ritual, even though they know the outcome could be fatal.
- The villagers’ conformity is depicted by the way they all gather in the town square for the lottery without questioning its brutality.
- The influence of groupthink is illustrated by how quickly Tessie’s own family turns against her once they become part of the crowd.
- The lottery serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following tradition and the risks of groupthink mentality.
The lottery proves that even small towns like this one can fall victim to groupthink, conformity and tradition. This societal commentary reflects on the dangers of following traditions blindly, as well as the necessity for individuals to speak up and question them.
The following table highlights the societal commentary on conformity and groupthink:
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tessie Hutchinson | The danger of standing out against groupthink mentality in small communities. |
| The Lottery | An example of the groupthink mentality that leads to conformity and the dangers of blindly following tradition. |
| Tessie’s family | Illustrates the influence of groupthink and how quickly people will turn against one another to maintain conformity. |
The Lottery’s social commentary is as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1948. The story is a reminder that individuals must remain vigilant against the pressures of conformity and groupthink mentality, and speak up against practices that are unjust or immoral.
FAQs: What Does Tessie Hutchinson Symbolize in The Lottery?
Q: Who is Tessie Hutchinson?
Tessie Hutchinson is a character in the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. She is a wife and mother of three children.
Q: What does Tessie Hutchinson symbolize in the story?
Tessie Hutchinson symbolizes the common person who is caught up in the rituals and traditions of a community without questioning their morality or purpose.
Q: How does Tessie’s behavior throughout the story contribute to her symbolism?
Tessie’s behavior throughout the story, from her initial excitement about the lottery to her resistance when she is selected as the lottery’s “winner,” shows how easily individuals can become complacent and complicit in their own oppression.
Q: Does Tessie’s death symbolize anything?
Yes, Tessie’s death symbolizes the sacrifice of an individual for the supposed benefit of the greater community. It highlights the dangers of blindly following tradition without considering the harm it may cause.
Q: What is the significance of Tessie’s name?
Tessie’s name means “harvester” or “reaper,” which can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of her eventual fate as the “winner” of the lottery.
Q: Is Tessie the only character who symbolizes something in the story?
No, all the characters in the story symbolize different aspects of society, such as tradition, conformity, and sacrifice.
Q: What is the overall message of “The Lottery”?
The overall message of “The Lottery” is a warning about the dangers of blindly following tradition and the need to question social norms and practices that may be harmful.
A Lifelike Closing for “What Does Tessie Hutchinson Symbolize in The Lottery?”
Thank you for taking the time to read about Tessie Hutchinson’s symbolism in “The Lottery.” As the story illustrates the dangers of complacency, Tessie’s character encourages us to take a closer look at our own beliefs and values. Let’s continue to question traditions and norms that may be harmful to ourselves and others. Please visit us again soon for more insightful articles like this.