So, I was a junior in High School when I first read this in script form. When my drama teacher suggested I play Tess he had a grin on his face that I didn't like at all. From the start I felt as though I was being treated as a bit of a pariah. Now that I look back, I can see that this helped me play the role. But it was no fun at the time.
The story reminds me of a purported ancient practice of the Celts. Once the crops were growing well, the village would find a man -- usually a wanderer of some sort -- and deem him the Harvest King. They would then take him out to the fields and slit his throat. His blood would fertilize the earth, ensuring a good harvest. It may not be true but it still reminded me of The Lottery when I read about it in West Country Wicca. The idea that a human life was an appropriate exchange for crops, the hunt, etc. crosses cultures and eras. In The Lottery, Jackson modernizes this practice. Her view of slavish devotion to tradition/religion was quite forward-thinking for the time.
This is a story that stays with you. Sometimes I can close my eyes and see the faces of my fellow students, pantomiming throwing rocks at me. I felt like they enjoyed it and it bothered me so much that, when we were asked to perform the play at UNLV, I passed the role on to another actor. My very weak confidence and self-esteem just couldn't take another hit.