Delacroix

Lore & Background

Delacroix is a villager in the unnamed community where the lottery takes place. Her surname, as noted by critic Helen E. Nebeker in a 1974 essay, derives from "Delacroix" (of-the-Cross), which is vulgarized to "Dellacroy" by the villagers. This name symbolism suggests a veneer of Christianity perverted by the community's actions. In the story, Delacroix is initially described as warm and friendly, but at the end, she selects a stone "so large she had to pick it up with both hands" and encourages her friends to follow suit during the stoning of Tessie Hutchinson. Her transformation from a friendly neighbor to an active participant in the killing illustrates the story's theme of blind adherence to tradition and the capacity for violence within ordinary people.

In Their Own Story

On June 27, the villagers gather for the annual lottery. Delacroix is among them, initially appearing as a friendly neighbor. When the Hutchinson family is selected, and Tessie draws the marked slip, the townspeople, including Delacroix, pick up stones. Delacroix selects a stone so large she must use both hands and urges her friends to join her. Tessie screams about the unfairness of the lottery as the stones are thrown at her. Delacroix's actions are a key moment in the story, showing how quickly a seemingly ordinary person can participate in violence when it is sanctioned by tradition.

Reader's Guide

Delacroix is a minor character in "The Lottery," appearing only in the final scene. She is one of the townspeople who participate in the stoning of Tessie Hutchinson. Her role is significant for the symbolic interpretation of her name, as noted by literary critics. Readers encounter her as part of the crowd that gathers stones and throws them at Tessie. She does not speak beyond encouraging others to join the stoning. Her character serves to illustrate the story's critique of blind conformity and the ease with which ordinary people can commit acts of violence when part of a group.

Did You Know?

• Delacroix's surname is vulgarized to 'Dellacroy' by the villagers in the story.
• Critic Helen E. Nebeker argued that Delacroix's name symbolizes a perverted Christianity, linking 'Delacroix' (of-the-Cross) to the villagers' actions.
• Delacroix selects a stone 'so large she had to pick it up with both hands' during the stoning of Tessie Hutchinson.
• The story was first published in The New Yorker on June 26, 1948, and generated a 'torrent of letters' from readers.
• Shirley Jackson received 10 to 12 forwarded letters each day during the summer of 1948 after the story's publication.