How is Tessie Hutchinson an allusion of Anne Hutchinson?

Answer 1

Tessie Hutchinson is the one who gets sacrificed. This name is used differently from the others in the story. "Hutchinson" is a historical name of one of America's Christian leaders; Anne Hutchinson. In 1636 Anne Hutchinson was charged with heresy and banished from Massachusetts Colony. Several years later she moved to New York where Indians massacred her. By borrowing the surname Shirley Jackson compares her character's fate with the fate of the historical Anne Hutchinson. They both fought religious rules with little hope that someone would speak in their defense. In stead they were both "tried," and ended up being slaughtered. Like the other names in the story, the first name holds a surprise. The name Tessie foretells her death. She is the one that gets Reapedat the harvest ceremony.