Part 1
What do we know about the lottery? Specifically, when was it started and what is its purpose?
It was started many years ago. It has been going on for a long time. The townspeople don't really know its purpose.
What is Old Man Warner's reaction to other towns quitting the lottery?
He doesn't like the idea. He calls those people "a pack of crazy fools."
Define 'foreshadowing.'
Hints or clues that tip the reader off as to what is to come later in the story.
Describe the setting at the beginning of 'The Lottery.'
Summertime. Sunny, warm. Flowers were blossoming. Grass is green. Children are playing. Women are gossiping. Men are talking about the weather.
What about the lottery has changed over the years? What has remained the same?
There once was a special salute, wood chips were once used instead of paper, the box is different ... the people still use a box, the people still use a lottery official.
How did Tessie react to Bill getting the paper marked with an 'X?'
Tessie shouted, "It wasn't fair!" She was not happy.
Define 'setting.' Use the definition that we copied in class.
The story’s location.
The time in which the action takes place.
The social environment of the characters.
What is the mood at the start of the story? (AKA, What thoughts/feelings does the reader associate with the setting/details that describe the setting (in the beginning of the story).
Carefree, joyful, calm, happy, etc.
What is the overall attitude of the people as they wait for the lottery to begin?
Nervous, anxious.
How did Bill react to Tessie yelling that the lottery isn't fair? Why do you think he reacts this way?
Define 'mood.'
The feeling a reader gets from a story.
Find an example of foreshadowing on pages 7-9. HINT - Look for clues that something is 'not quite right' about the Lottery.
"Guess we better get started, get this over with..." - p. 7
"A sudden hush fell on the crowd..." - p. 8
"They grinned at one another humorlessly and nervously..." - p. 9
State specific evidence from the text that allows us to determine that some people seem nervous.
"Guess I gotta fill in for the old man ..." "Mrs. H. came hurriedly along..."
Describe the process of the lottery. Once Bill 'wins,' what happens next?
How can setting influence mood?
Answers will vary.
Answers will vary.
Explain the ending to 'The Lottery.'
Tessie Hutchinson draws the 'x.' Her 'prize' is to be stoned to death by the remainder of the townspeople (including her own family members).
Define 'situational irony.'
Occurs when the outcome of an event or situation is the opposite of what is expected.
Now that you know the end of the story ... look for hints/clues from the beginning of the story that indicate that something is not quite right about the lottery.
"Stuffed his pocket full of stones." - p. 1
"Eventually made a great pile of stones ..." p. 1