The Necklace
Varies (sad, dissatisfied, resentful, disappointed with where she is)
Why does Leonard Mead go for walks every night?
To enjoy the quiet and think
Why does Oedipus begin searching for the murderer of King Laius?
To end the plague in Thebes
How do the villagers initially feel about the lottery?
Nervous but obedient
Why is Della upset at the beginning of the story?
She does not have enough money for a Christmas gift
Why does Mathilde borrow the necklace from her friend?
To look wealthy at the party
What is unusual about the city during his walks?
The houses are dark and silent.
What prophecy was given to Oedipus as a child?
He would kill his father and marry his mother
What object is used to conduct the lottery?
A wooden box
What valuable possession does Della sell?
Her long hair
What happens to the necklace after the party?
Mathilde loses it
Why does the police car stop Leonard Mead?
Walking is considered a suspicious behavior
What happens at the crossroads?
Oedipus is attacked and kills several men, including King Laius
Why does Tessie Hutchinson protest during the lottery?
She thinks the drawing was unfair, or done too quick
What gift does Della buy for Jim?
A gold chain for his watch
How do Mathilde and her husband after losing the necklace?
They replace it with a real, expensive necklace.
How does Leonard Mead differ from the rest of society?
He enjoys walking/reading books instead of watching television
What is Oedipus’s final punishment?
Self-inflicted blindness and exile
How does the villagers’ behavior change once Tessie is selected?
They actively participate in the violence
What does Jim give Della for Christmas?
A set of combs
What makes the ending of "The Necklace" ironic?
The necklace that she had originally lost was fake.
Why is Leonard Mead taken to the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies?
His behavior does not conform to society’s norms
What role does dramatic irony play in the play?
The audience knows the truth before Oedipus does
What does the lottery symbolize in the story?
The dangers of blindly following tradition
What is the main theme of “The Gift of the Magi”?
Sacrifice