Characters
Who is the hero in "The Lottery"?
Tessie Hutchinson
Where does "The Lottery" take place?
In a small village
What is the main theme of "The Lottery"?
The dangers of blindly following tradition
What does the word “lottery” mean in the context of the story?
A process of selection or drawing, often associated with the village’s ritual sacrifice.
Based on the text, why do the townspeople not question the lottery?
The townspeople have been doing it for so long that it has become an unquestioned tradition
Which character is the one who conducts the lottery?
Mr. Summers
What time of year is the lottery held?
June 27th during the summer
What is the central conflict in the story?
The conflict between the town's tradition of the lottery and Tessie Hutchinson’s desire to avoid being chosen for it
What does “scornfully” mean in the context of Old Man Warner’s tone?
It means showing disdain or contempt, especially when he speaks about stopping the lottery
What can we infer about Tessie’s attitude towards the lottery before it starts?
At first, Tessie seems calm and indifferent, but as soon as she realizes she is chosen, she becomes frantic and protests.
How does Old Man Warner react to the idea of ending the lottery?
He strongly disagrees with the idea, saying, "There’s always been a lottery."
How does the setting of the town contribute to the feeling of normalcy surrounding the lottery?
The town is described as peaceful and traditional, making the lottery seem like an ordinary event
How is the lottery itself symbolic in the story?
It symbolizes societal rituals that continue without question, no matter how harmful
Define the word “shocking” as it relates to the ending of the story.
It refers to something that causes surprise or disbelief, such as the brutal outcome of the lottery
Why is the lottery described as being "chipped in a way that seems so normal"?
It suggests that the townspeople view the lottery as a normal, everyday event, not something to be questioned.
Who is Tessie’s family member that participates in the lottery with her?
Her husband, Bill Hutchinson
How does the description of the setting affect the reader’s perception of the lottery’s outcome?
The setting, described as bright and warm, contrasts with the grim outcome, which creates a sense of shock.
What is the significance of Tessie’s final words, “It isn’t fair, it isn’t right”?
Tessie’s words highlight the unfairness of the lottery and the brutal nature of the tradition, especially when it impacts her directly.
What does the word “ritual” mean in the story?
A regular or established procedure, often performed as part of a cultural or religious tradition.
What does the reaction of the children in the story suggest about society’s role in shaping behavior?
It suggests that society teaches harmful traditions to children, who grow up accepting them without question
What is the role of the children in the story?
The children are gathering stones to throw at the “winner” of the lottery, showing that they are learning the tradition
How does the story’s setting help build tension throughout the plot?
Makes the horrific ending of the lottery all the more shaking, as the peaceful village doesn’t seem to fit the dark tradition.
What does the ending of the story suggest about the nature of human behavior?
It suggests that people are often willing to accept cruel or unjust practices simply because they have always been part of society
What does “perfunctory” mean in the context of the lottery?
It means something done in a routine or indifferent manner, as the townspeople conduct the lottery without thought or emotion
How does the behavior of the townspeople at the end of the story reflect the theme of blind obedience?
The townspeople eagerly follow through with the violence of the lottery without questioning the morality of it, showing how society can perpetuate harmful behaviors.