Plot & Events
Where does the village gather on lottery day?
The villagers gather in the town square.
Who runs the lottery each year?
Mr. Summers.
What details about the setting make the story seem calm at first?
It is a sunny summer day with flowers blooming.
What early detail hints that the lottery may not be harmless? Foreshadow
Children are collecting stones.
What major theme is shown in the story?
The danger of blindly following tradition.
What object is used to run the lottery?
A worn black box.
Which character strongly supports keeping the lottery tradition?
Old Man Warner.
How does the village treat the lottery?
As a normal and expected event.
How does the black box act as a symbol?
It represents tradition and resistance to change.
What does the story suggest about group behavior?
People may do harmful things when they follow the crowd.
What happens after Bill Hutchinson draws the marked slip?
His family must draw slips to choose one person.
How does Tessie Hutchinson act at the start of the story?
She is cheerful and joking.
What does the villagers’ behavior show about conformity?
They follow traditions without questioning them.
Why is the title “The Lottery” ironic?
A lottery is usually positive, but this one leads to death.
What message does the story send about violence in society?
Violence can be accepted when it is normalized.
What is the final outcome of the lottery?
Tessie Hutchinson is selected to be stoned.
How does Tessie’s attitude change after her family is chosen?
She becomes upset and argues that the lottery is unfair.
How does the lottery help control the people in the village?
It keeps everyone obeying rules out of fear.
How does foreshadowing build tension in the story?
Small clues hint at violence before it happens.
How does the lottery show abuse of power?
Leaders enforce rules without questioning their morality.
Why is the lottery completed so quickly?
Because the villagers want to finish the lottery before noon so they can return to their daily routines.
Why do some villagers draw for other family members?
Because some family members are too young or unable to draw themselves.
Why do villagers continue the lottery even if it is violent?
Because they believe tradition must be followed.
Why does Shirley Jackson describe routine actions in detail?
To show how violence can feel normal when it becomes tradition.
What lesson might readers learn from the story?
Traditions should be questioned, especially if they cause harm.