Why is Tessie Hutchinson Singled Out as The Winner

Every year, the small village of Salem holds a lottery to determine which one of its inhabitants will be sacrificed for the greater good. This tradition has been ingrained in the community for as long as anyone can remember, and it is met with a mix of anticipation and fear. However, in Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," there is one character who stands out among the rest - Tessie Hutchinson. Despite the seemingly random nature of the selection process, Tessie is singled out as the "winner" of the lottery. This essay will explore the reasons behind Tessie Hutchinson being chosen as the sacrificial victim, analyzing her character traits, the dynamics within the community, and the overarching theme of scapegoating.

Tessie Hutchinson's Character Traits

From the very beginning of the story, Tessie Hutchinson is portrayed as an ordinary woman, going about her daily chores and participating in the lottery like everyone else. However, as the tension builds and her name is called, her true nature is revealed. Tessie's initial reaction to being selected as the winner is one of defiance and protest. She exclaims, "It wasn't fair!" and questions the legitimacy of the process. This defiance sets her apart from the other villagers, who accept their fate without question. Tessie's outspokenness and refusal to comply make her a target for the community's collective anger and frustration.

Furthermore, Tessie's character is also marked by her role as a wife and mother. In the story, she arrives at the lottery with her husband and three children, making her a symbol of the nuclear family. This aspect of her identity may contribute to her selection as the winner. By sacrificing Tessie, the community may believe that they are preserving the sanctity of the family unit, ensuring the stability and continuation of their society. This aligns with the traditional values held by the villagers and reinforces the idea that Tessie is singled out due to her role within the community.

Dynamics within the Community

The dynamics within the community of Salem play a significant role in the selection of Tessie Hutchinson as the winner. The lottery is presented as a communal event, symbolizing the unity and shared responsibility of the villagers. As the lottery progresses, there is a palpable shift in the collective mood. Initially, the villagers participate with a sense of duty and even enthusiasm. However, once Tessie's name is drawn, the atmosphere changes dramatically.

The sudden turn of events exposes the darker side of human nature as the villagers turn on Tessie. This shift can be attributed to the power of conformity and the fear of being ostracized from the community. By singling out Tessie as the winner, the villagers create a sense of unity among themselves, reinforcing their social bonds and further excluding Tessie. It becomes easier to blame and sacrifice one individual rather than confront the inherent flaws and injustice of the lottery itself.

The Theme of Scapegoating

At its core, "The Lottery" explores the theme of scapegoating. Tessie Hutchinson is singled out as the sacrificial victim to bear the burden of the community's collective sins and maintain the illusion of harmony within the village. This is evident in the final moments of the story when Tessie's friends and neighbors, including her own family members, turn against her. They stone her to death in a ritualistic act of violence, believing that this sacrifice will ensure their prosperity and well-being.

The act of scapegoating serves as a means of deflecting blame and avoiding personal accountability. By directing their anger and frustration towards Tessie, the villagers absolve themselves of any responsibility for their actions. They convince themselves that the lottery is necessary and that Tessie's sacrifice is for the greater good of the community. This portrayal of scapegoating in "The Lottery" serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of blindly following tradition and the potential for cruelty within human nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tessie Hutchinson's selection as the winner in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is not a random act but rather a result of her character traits, the dynamics within the community, and the overarching theme of scapegoating. Tessie's outspokenness, her role as a wife and mother, and the conformist nature of the villagers all contribute to her being singled out. The story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of blindly following tradition and the potential for cruelty within society. Ultimately, Tessie's fate raises profound questions about the nature of sacrifice, the power of conformity, and the inherent flaws of human nature.