Thursday, January 12, 2017

What does Mr. Summers represent?

In the short story “The Lottery," Mr. Summers is a main character. He is the official of the lottery ceremony. The narrator explains that Mr. Summers has this job because he has the “time and energy to devote to civic activities.” Mr. Summers is described as a round man with an unkind wife and no children. The narrator explains that Mr. Summers is good at the organization and decorum of the lottery that he presents as “proper and important.” Mr. Summers is thorough about checking his list and ensuring all the townspeople are in attendance or accounted for. Throughout the ceremony, Mr. Summers is kind but firm, ensuring adherence to all protocols, such as when he explains that married daughters draw with their husband’s families.
The name “Summers” evokes a warm, happy vibe, which is consistent with the narrator’s description that he is a “jovial” man. Despite his warm demeanor, Mr. Summers represent a strong adherence to tradition. He ensures the lottery is conducted appropriately and he knows the rules. At one point, he prompts the villagers to “finish quickly.” He represents the matter-of-fact viewpoint of the majority of the villagers—that this act of organized murder is just an accepted part of their lives.

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