Irony & Inferencing
Why is Tessie Hutchinson being chosen as the lottery winner ironic?
Tessie Hutchinson is the one townsperson who opposes the lottery telling Mr. Graves, "it isn't fair" when her family is chosen.
The original lottery had many traditional elements that the townspeople have forgotten over time. List 2 of these forgotten (not followed) traditions.
1. Mr. Summers (town official) walks through the town to a 'song' or chant before holding the lottery.
2. Lottery papers used to be woodchips, not paper.
What does the black box represent?
Death, sacrifice
What type of story is "The Lottery?"
A horror short story
Why is the name Mr.Summers ironic? (hint: think about his job in the town!)
Mr. Summers is the official of the lottery. Every year, he runs a lottery in which the winner gets stoned to death.
Summer means happiness, sunshine, and warmth. Mr. Summer represents the lottery- which is death.
What is the mood at the beginning of the story? (1 word)
What is the mood at the middle-end of the story? (1 word)
1. cheerful, excited
2. anxious, nervous
What does the lottery represent?
Sacrifice, tradition
How many years has the lottery been going on?
77
What can you infer about Tessie based on this quote?
“Tessie,” Mr. Summers said. She hesitated for a minute, looking around defiantly, and then set her lips and went up to the box. She snatched a paper out and held it behind her.
Tessie knows that the winner of the lottery is not lucky. She knows the risks of winning.
What is the "mob violence" that happens in "The Lottery"?
The horrible actions performed in groups (such as the stoning of Mrs. Hutchinson) are not committed by 1 person. If 1 person were to kill someone, it would be murder. if a group commits to stoning someone, it's tradition.
What does the black spot mean?
Sin, uncleanliness
Why is there so much dialogue (speech with characters) in the story? What purpose does the dialogue serve?
Dialogue is important because it gives characters background and personality.
Why did the other towns get rid of the annual lottery?
Which town member is angered that the other towns "abandoned tradition"?
1. Other towns did not believe in sacrificing people.
2. Old Man Warner
Give an example of foreshadowing in "The Lottery".
1. Tessie Hutchinson replies, "it isn't fair!" when her family wins.
2. Bobby Martin stuffs his pockets full of stones and the boys in collect smooth, round stones.
Describe the atmosphere of the town on lottery day.
Summer day, sunshine, flowers are blooming. Townspeople are gathering in town square
How do the townspeople gather on lottery day?
They stand in a line with their families.
What do you think Old Man Warner means when he says, "lottery in June, corn be heavy soon."
Because of the sacrifice of a person (the lottery in June), the town will prosper and have good luck (corn be heavy soon)
What a moral or lesson to be learned from "The Lottery"?
Don't blindly follow traditions.
Following the crowd can be dangerous.
What is a 'scapegoat'?
A person that is blamed for all the sin/evil in a society.
How do the townspeople feel about the lottery?
They look forward to it but also want to get it over with.