In Shirley Jackson’s short story ‘The Lottery’, Mrs. Delacroix’s choice of an extra large stone during the stoning of Tessie Hutchinson is a significant moment that highlights the themes of loyalty and logic within the community.
Mrs. Delacroix, who had been friendly with Tessie just moments before, quickly turns against her when the lottery demands it. This shift in behavior underscores the blind loyalty the villagers have to the tradition of the lottery, even when it leads to violence and injustice. The extra large stone she selects symbolizes the intensity of this loyalty, as well as the willingness to participate in the brutal act without questioning its morality.
Furthermore, the logic behind the lottery is deeply flawed, yet the villagers adhere to it without question. Mrs. Delacroix’s actions reflect this lack of critical thinking. The tradition is followed simply because it has always been done, and the villagers’ loyalty to it overrides any personal feelings or ethical considerations. The extra large stone, therefore, becomes a metaphor for the weight of tradition and the dangerous consequences of unthinking conformity.
In summary, Mrs. Delacroix’s extra large stone serves as a powerful symbol of the themes of loyalty and logic in ‘The Lottery’. It illustrates the blind adherence to tradition and the lack of moral questioning that ultimately leads to the story’s tragic outcome.