Tradition & Ritual
The object used in the lottery is made of this material.
What is wood? (the black box)
He is the one who conducts the lottery.
Who is Mr. Summers?
This is the time of year when the story takes place.
What is the end of June?
The true nature of the lottery is not immediately clear, making this an example of literary technique.
What is suspense?
The story explores the dangers of blindly following this.
What is tradition?
The original purpose of the lottery has been lost over time, but it is still practiced due to this reason.
What is tradition?
This character is notable for being late to the gathering.
Who is Mrs. Hutchinson? Tessie
The black box used in the lottery can be seen as a symbol of this concept.
What is tradition or death/fate?
What do the stones the children collect foreshadow?
What is the violence at the end?
: The story suggests following traditions without thinking is?
What is risky or dangerous?
The town’s practice continues despite this reality about the original purpose.
What is that the original purpose has been forgotten?
The oldest man in the village, he has participated in the lottery for over 70 years.
Who is Old Man Warner?
The story's climax involves this violent act against a member of the community.
What is stoning?
A detail early in the story that foreshadows later violence
What are the stones the children gather?
The narrative strategy emphasizes how ordinary people can commit:
What is violence or cruelty?
The ritual’s purpose is believed to ensure this outcome.
What is a good harvest or crop?
Who objects or challenges the lottery at the end?
Who is Tessie Hutchinson?
What feeling does the setting create before the lottery?
What is a calm or peaceful feeling?
This object, replaced yet preserved, helps symbolize tradition’s grip.
What are slips of paper replacing wood chips? (or the wooden box replaced by slips)
The tale is often read as a warning about what?
What is the danger of blindly following tradition?
Over time, this aspect of the ritual has been lost or altered
What are the salutes or the chant?
The man who assists with the box and carries the stool.
Where do the villagers gather for the lottery?
What is the village square?
The twist is that the lottery is for what purpose?
What is harming someone (not for a prize)?
The story’s setting and events function as a critique of what broader issue.
What is the danger of unquestioned tradition in society?