In the Lottery by Shirley Jackson, the character of Mr. Bentham is utilized to help explore the concept of irony. In the story, he is presented as the town’s enthusiastic resident and loyal adherent of the lottery.
He speaks eagerly of its importance and of the fact that everyone should make an effort to attend. Perhaps the most ironic element of his character is that, despite being so devoted to the lottery, he is the first to be selected for the sacrifice when his family’s name – the only name – is chosen from the box.
Even as he is accepting his fate as his family gathers around, he can be heard chanting, “Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon,” a phrase which holds a deep symbolism in terms of the irony of his own fate in this lottery.
What is significance of the name Bentham in lottery?
The name Bentham has a significant meaning in the lottery. It is a reference to English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who championed the idea of utilitarianism. This is a philosophy which advocates the maximization of overall happiness and well-being by achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
It is a concept that has been adopted in many aspects of society, including in the lottery. This is because people play the lottery with the hope that they will gain a life-changing amount of money – but with the understanding that the overall happiness of any given draw’s participants will be maximized when the pot is shared among more than one person.
In other words, amongst the many winners of a lottery draw, winners experience more joy and benefit than if only one person had won the entire prize. Therefore, the name Bentham serves as a reminder of how lottery winners can benefit from the game and promote overall happiness when the prize money is shared by many.
What is the biggest example of dramatic irony in the lottery?
One of the biggest examples of dramatic irony in the lottery is when Mr. Hutchinson has picked the paper with the black spot, signaling his death. Everyone around him is still unaware that it is his fate and instead celebrates as if it weren’t.
There is a sense of false joy as the other characters praise him and joke about how lucky he is, unaware that his impending death is the way the lottery will end.
What does the name Hutchinson mean?
Hutchinson is an English surname thought to be derived from the Old English personal name “Huche”. It is believed that this name is related to the Old English term “hughu”, which means “heart” or “mind”.
The name later changed to “Huchinson” and then changed further to Hutchinson in the early 17th century. The name is also associated with a place in Lincolnshire, England called Husthwaite or Hutchinson.
It is thought that the name was given to those who came from or lived near this place.
Why did Mrs Delacroix select a large stone?
Mrs Delacroix selected a large stone because it provided the perfect counterpoint to the lawn that she wanted to create. A large stone adds structure and visual interest to an otherwise flat and open space, while also serving as a durable and long-lasting anchor for the lawn and surrounding plants.
Not only is a large stone aesthetically pleasing and a natural element, it can also double as a seating area, a reflection area, or even a retaining wall. It was the perfect complement to Mrs Delacroix’s vision of a lush and inviting outdoor space.
How is it ironic irony that the name Delacroix meaning of the cross is used in this story?
It is ironic that the name Delacroix, which means “of the cross”, is used in the story, as the protagonist of the story is a Louisiana Creole and a descendant of a freed slave, who is struggling against the strictures of the racism and oppression of the South during the early 20th century.
This is ironic, because the name Delacroix implies piety and adherence to a strict moral code, while the protagonist is living a life of trying to overcome poverty and bigotry. Additionally, this irony is further emphasized by the context of the time period in which the story takes place, as it was during the time of Jim Crow laws and racism was rampant.
Thus, the use of the name Delacroix, which implies faith and moral uprightness, in the story, serves to highlight the cruel irony of the reality of racism and oppression of the time.
What may be the significance of Mrs Delacroix’s name?
The significance of Mrs. Delacroix’s name is open to interpretation. On one hand, it could be an allusion to Madame de Staël’s writings which emphasize female autonomy and freedom of choice. As Madame de Staël espoused a philosophy of female emancipation, Mrs.
Delacroix could be seen as a symbol of female independence. On the other hand, Delacroix is the same surname as the French Romantic artist Eugene Delacroix. Through Mrs. Delacroix’s name there is an implication that women have the same creative potential as that espoused by many Romantic artists of the time, including Eugene Delacroix, and are capable of producing psychological, creative works of art.
Ultimately, the significance of Mrs. Delacroix’s surname may be interpreted in a variety of ways as it could be seen to represent both an advocacy of female emancipation and a recognition of female creative potential.