Gift of the Magi
The Lottery
Vocabulary
One Dollar's Worth
Short Story Elements
100
During what time of year does the story take place?
Christmas
100
During what month does the story take place?
June
100
Definition: To drop in value
Depreciate
100
What "pen name" does Mexico Sam use to sign his letter at the beginning of the story?
Rattlesnake
100
What is the name of the series of related events in a story?
Plot
200
What are both James and Della's most prized possessions?
James - Watch Della - Hair
200
What did we say the original purpose of the lottery may have been?
Human Sacrifice
200
Definition: Written letter, usually formal in nature
Epistle
200
What is the name of the main character, the District Attorney, in the story?
Littlefield
200
Name the three types of external conflict
Man v Man, Man v Nature, Man v Society
300
What has happened to Jim's salary in the story?
Fallen from $30-$20/week
300
Who stacks stones at the beginning of the story?
The Children
300
Definition: Materials necessary to perform a specific task
Paraphernalia
300
Why does Mexico Sam ride in a perfect circle around Nancy and Littlefield near the end of the story?
So their shots cannot reach him
300
What is an object that stands for something beyond itself known as?
Symbol
400
How does Della get the money she needs for a Christmas present?
Sells her hair
400
Daily Double - Explain the process of the lottery from start to finish
Fathers/heads of household draw, winning family redraws to find the "winner"
400
Definition: Cheapness or stinginess
Parsimony
400
Why does Joya Trevinas tell the Judge/District Attorney that Rafael had to use the counterfeit dollar?
To buy her medicine
400
What is the name given to the overall main idea/lesson of a story?
Theme
500
Briefly explain what makes the end of the story so ironic
They both sell their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other
500
What is the name of the voice of tradition in the story? He's been there 77 times
Old Man Warner
500
Definition: Doing something with some hesitation
Reluctantly
500
How does Mexico Sam die?
Littlefield cuts up the counterfeit lead dollar and shoots him with it
500
What part of a story gives any necessary background information to the reader?
Exposition
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