Shirley Jackson Symbolism

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Pages: 2

Shirley Jackson master the art of symbolism so well in this story as to even pull in satire in the names of the characters. There is Mr. Summers, Mr. Graves, Mr. Warner, and Mrs. Delacroix, all giving clues at the true nature of the characters, but so outright that you would pick up on them during a first reading. Mrs. Delacroix’s name means “of the cross” in Latin therefore hinting at Tessie’s sacrificial killing. (Lexicon) This irony is used to enhance the cruelty of the story even more, since there is no way to know that it would hint that something more sinister was at play.
Mr. Summers’ name seems symbolizes the season and warmth that comes with it, not at all lending a hint to the evil he proceeds over. Mr. Summers' has the role of