In the context of the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, Mrs. Delacroix and Mrs. Hutchinson are two characters who share some similarities but also have notable differences in their reactions when their husbands were going up to draw the lottery number. Here are the differences and similarities between the two characters:
Similarities:
1. Both Mrs. Delacroix and Mrs. Hutchinson are married women and mothers in the community.
2. They both participate in the annual lottery event, as it is a tradition in their village.
Differences:
1. Mrs. Delacroix seems more casual and unconcerned about the lottery process. She exchanges pleasantries with the others and even chats with Mrs. Hutchinson during the event, giving the impression that she is not overly worried about the outcome.
On the other hand, Mrs. Hutchinson appears more anxious and apprehensive about the lottery. She arrives at the event late, expressing concerns about her husband forgetting the day, and she tries to intervene when her husband draws the marked paper.
2. When their husbands draw the lottery number, Mrs. Delacroix seems to accept the outcome without resistance. She even encourages her husband to hurry up and get it over with, displaying a sense of compliance and resignation.
In contrast, Mrs. Hutchinson reacts with shock and disbelief when her husband draws the marked paper. She protests the fairness of the lottery, suggesting that it was not conducted properly.
These differences in their reactions highlight varying attitudes and responses to the traditional lottery event. Mrs. Delacroix appears more accepting of the community's practices, while Mrs. Hutchinson challenges the process and questions its fairness.