Explain the possible allusions, irony, or symbolism of some of the characters names.

Mr. Summers- a bright and cheerful man

The Bentham family is a possible allusion to Jeremy Bentham, a British philosopher and proponent of Utilitarianism.

Mr. Martin may be an allusion to Martin Luther.

The name Hutchinson is likely an allusion to Anne Hutchinson, a religious leader whose teaching led to her excommunication from the Church of Boston. Like Anne, Tess is removed from the community.