In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" many symbols are used to describe the characters in the story. The names indirectly give us hints about their nature. The symbols of the characters are used to reinforce the theme: Those in power wanting to keep the tradition versus the ones with no power not wanting to keep the tradition.
             In this story, there is a social ladder, a hierarchy of positions similar to medieval times. Mr. Summers is one of the three most powerful characters in this story. He occupies a dominant role in his community. He owns a coal business, is involved in civic activities and is well respected by the citizens of the village. He is described as jovial, and full of energy. His name symbolizes life, leisure and happiness. In fact he is the one who organizes the lottery which instead of bringing life to its winners brings death. He ensures that the lottery is held on the same date annually and that the tradition is kept alive. Mr. Graves, the postmaster is Mr. Summers' assistant. He is responsible for the annual swear-in of Mr. Summers. It is he who carries the black box and the three-legged stool and puts the paper slips in the box with Mr. Summers the night before the lottery. His name can be associated with seriousness, death, and tragedy. A tragedy that is not apparent at the beginning of the story but becomes meaningful until the end of the story. Mr. Martin is the grocer of the village. He makes sure that the lottery box and slips are stirred before the event takes place. Every year the box is kept in a safe place by either one of them. The Old Man Warner is a man who stands for his beliefs. He is the oldest in the village and has participated in seventy-seven lotteries, obviously with success. He is against stopping this yearly ritual and disagrees with the way younger people think. When Mr. Adams told him that in the north village they were giving up the lottery. He shouted, "Pack ...