The Lottery Character Analysis

The Lottery Character Analysis

Mr. Summers

Despite the positive connotations associated with his name, Mr. Summers holds the responsibility of overseeing many of the town's activities including the lottery. His prominence in the town seems to stem from the fact that he manages the coal company, and from the town's people, who sympathize with him because he is childless and has a miserable wife. With the help of Mr. Graves, he oversees every aspect of the lottery, including preparing the papers with the black spot, and housing the black box through out the year. Mr. Summers, does not have the same level of obsession with the paraphernalia of the lottery, and is shown to be very practical when it comes to things like the black box. He gets rid of the practice of using wood chips, instead replacing it with paper due to the increase in the town's population, and he also suggests changing the box since it is no longer in the best condition. Despite his position of importance, however, the ritual trumps his power, and we learn that he too must partake in the lottery like everyone else in the town after he himself picks a paper from the black box.

Symbolism: The Lottery

The Lottery Symbolism

Symbolism: The Lottery 

  The lottery itself is symbolic of the traditions of the people, and their reluctance to change. The lottery is an annual event, and though it is a senseless sacrifice of their fellow brethren, it is defended by the town’s people. It is a ritualistic sacrifice, which the town’s people believe will have an impact on their crops. Old Man Warner repeats a popular saying which states “Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon” which is evidence of their strong associations with the lottery. 

The Lottery Summary

Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"

Summary

It's a beautiful summer day on June 27th, and residents of a small town gather for an event known as the lottery. The children, newly released for summer, are still speaking of school, playing, and carefully gathering the best stones in a pile. The men and their wives begin to congregate, carefully avoiding the pile, and beckon to the children to join their respective families. Mr. Summers, the man who controls the coal company and oversees the lottery, arrives with a black box. He is followed by the postmaster, Mr. Graves, who brings with him a stool to set the box upon. Two of the residents, Mr. Martin and his son Baxter, reluctantly help them to steady the box onto the stool while Mr. Summers shuffles the papers inside it. The remaining residents are careful to keep their distance from the box.

Creepy Short Stories to Read this Halloween

Best Short Stories to read for Halloween.

It's finally Halloween, and while some of you are gearing up for a marathon of your favorite slasher films, others may find the day better spent in a quiet location reading. For those of you who live your lives through literature, these short stories should help quench your thirst for all things odd and down right creepy. Read on for our top picks.

Why Everyone Should Consider an Online Degree

Online degrees are a viable option that every student should consider.

Long thought to be the domain of for-profit educational insitutions, online degrees have evolved from being one of higher education's biggest taboos to offering it a fresh new look. Despite this, many students are still very reluctant to explore the world of online education, often overlooking it in favor of the traditional on campus experience. While the traditional on campus experience no doubt has its advantages, an online degree offers a unique alternative that's worthy of every potential students consideration. Here are the top reasons why everyone should consider an online degree:

The Story of An Hour Analysis

Image source: wikipedia.com

The Story of an Hour Summary

Due to Mrs Mallard's heart condition, Josephine her sister, is cautious in informing her of husband's death in a train crash, as confirmed by his friend Richards. Mrs. Mallard reacts by immediately crying, after which she withdraws to a room, and contemplates what his death now means for her. There she sits before an open window, observing the happenings outside, and is soon overcome with an unidentifiable emotion, which she later reluctantly realizes is happiness. Mrs. Mallard reasons that though Mr. Mallard had been a loving husband, one which she would surely mourn, she is also eager for a new life marked by freedom and independence from marriage. Josephine assumes that Mrs. Mallard, distraught over the news, intends to harm herself. Mrs. Mallard assures her that she is fine, and walks with her sister to meet Richards, still downstairs. It is then Mr. Mallard, who is very much alive and had no knowledge the accident took place, opens the door. Mrs. Mallard dies of shock which the doctors mistakenly blames on her being overjoyed at his return.

The Necklace Analysis

The Necklace

Character Analysis

Madame Loisel/ Mathilde

Mathilde/ Madame Loisel is very discontent with her life, and constantly obsesses about material goods. She is very beautiful, and seems to believe that this entitles her to wealth and a much higher standard of living. She is married to a clerk who works with the Ministry of Education, and who is very supportive of her, yet she does not seem to reciprocate these emotions. When he invites her to one of the most exclusive events of the year, she rejects it based on a superficial reason, a lack of clothing and jewelry. Also while at the ball, she seems to enjoy the attention of all the other men, dancing while her husband sleeps in another room. Aside from her marriage, her friendship also suffers from her obsession. She is unable to visit her friend without feeling resentful of her own situation, and therefore hardly keeps in touch with Madame Forestier. It is not known if Mathilde truly evolves in her views towards material goods. While she did make the necessary sacrifices, taking over the household chores, she still dreams about the night she lost the necklace, and doesn't seem to come to a realization that she was actually very fortunate, having a loving husband, a home, and being able to afford household help. Also based on the ending of the story, we are not given any ideas as to how Mathilde reacts after learning the truth about the Necklace. Mathilde could therefore be considered a flat character, since she remains the same throughout.