An Unfortunate Lottery: Understanding Tessie Hutchinson’s Role and Symbolism
Introduction
Unraveling literary characters often leads to uncovering deeper themes and societal critiques embedded in the narrative. One such character, Tessie Hutchinson, from Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," serves as a powerful conduit to explore tradition, societal norms, and the psychology of mob mentality. This essay ventures into the world of Tessie Hutchinson, shedding light on her character while uncovering the symbolism she embodies.
Exploring Tessie Hutchinson: The Scapegoat of Tradition
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Tessie Hutchinson is depicted as a cheerful and friendly character at the outset of the story. However, her demeanor swiftly changes as she becomes the ill-fated winner of the lottery. Her transformation from an average, complacent citizen into the tragic figure of the narrative opens up avenues for analysis.
Tessie's ultimate fate serves as a harsh critique of mindless adherence to tradition. She begins as a willing participant in the lottery, showing no signs of dissent until the grim reality lands at her doorstep. This attitude mirrors that of many individuals in societies, where harmful or outdated traditions continue unchallenged until they personally affect an individual.
Tessie's desperate pleas for fairness in the drawing process also reveal a grim portrayal of mob mentality and the powerful influence of societal norms. Despite her appeals, the community's adherence to the ritual is unwavering, showing the societal pressure that individuals can face when challenging established traditions.
Tessie's character is instrumental in showcasing the tragic consequences of blind adherence to societal norms, as well as the terrifying effects of mob mentality. By becoming the story's sacrificial lamb, she illustrates the dangers that individuals can face when they are selected as scapegoats by their community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tessie Hutchinson stands as a stark symbol of the perils of unexamined traditions and the chilling effects of mob mentality. Through her character, Shirley Jackson critiques societal norms, portraying the potential harm caused by traditions that persist without scrutiny.
As such, Tessie's role in "The Lottery" serves not just as a narrative pivot, but also as a potent tool for social commentary and critique.
References
Cite this Page
An Unfortunate Lottery: Understanding Tessie Hutchinson’s Role and Symbolism. (2023, Jul 21). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/an-unfortunate-lottery-understanding-tessie-hutchinsons-role-and-symbolism/
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