What Does Mr Summers Symbolize In The Lottery, In Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," Mr. Summers plays an important role as the conductor, General, what-does-mr-summers-symbolize-in-the-lottery, JPOSE
In Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," Mr. Summers plays an important role as the conductor of the annual lottery. However, Mr. Summers' character is more than just a mere facilitator of the gruesome event. In fact, he symbolizes the blind acceptance of tradition and the willingness to sacrifice others for one's own gain.
Firstly, Mr. Summers is described as a jovial and friendly man, which reflects his role as a community leader. He is the one who organizes the lottery and ensures that everything runs smoothly. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Mr. Summers is not just a likable personality, but rather a symbol of the town's collective conscience. He represents the town's blind adherence to tradition, even when it involves killing one of their own.
Secondly, Mr. Summers is also a symbol of the town's willingness to sacrifice others for their own benefit. He is the one who draws the slips of paper that ultimately determine who will be stoned to death. Despite the fact that he is the one who carries out this brutal act, he does not seem to think twice about it. Instead, he is focused on the task at hand, as if it is just another part of his job. This suggests that he is more concerned with maintaining the town's traditions than with the lives of the people who live there.
Finally, Mr. Summers' name itself is symbolic. The word "summer" is often associated with warmth, joy, and happiness. However, in this story, Mr. Summers is associated with death and destruction. His name is a subtle reminder that even the brightest and happiest times can be marred by darkness and tragedy.
In conclusion, Mr. Summers is a complex character who symbolizes the town's blind acceptance of tradition and the willingness to sacrifice others for their own gain. His character serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following tradition, even when it involves violence and death.