Characterization
Describe Mr. Summers' character.
HINT: Look back at paragraph 4 to help you out.
He is a round-faced, jovial man who has no children.
What is a major theme of 'The Lottery'?
HINT: Think about why the villagers continue to perform the lottery even though they have forgotten parts of the original ritual.
The danger of blindly following tradition.
What is the primary event that marks the climax of the story's plot?
HINT: The climax of a story is the moment of highest tension and the turning point of the narrative.
The moment Tessie Hutchinson draws the paper with the black spot.
How does the village square setting contribute to the overall mood?
HINT: Consider what kind of events typically take place in a village square and how this contrasts with the lottery's outcome.
It enhances the casual, communal atmosphere before the ritual turns sinister.
What is the main external conflict in the story?
HINT: The main conflict becomes clear in the final moments of the story. Who is fighting against whom?
The conflict between the individual (Tessie) and the community (the villagers).
What does Bobby Martin’s action of stuffing his pockets with stones suggest about the children's role?
HINT: Pay close attention to what the stones are used for at the very end of the story.
It indicates their awareness of the lottery's true purpose from the beginning.
The story suggests that when tradition is upheld for its own sake, it can lead to...?
HINT: Consider the final scene of the story and the actions of the villagers toward Tessie Hutchinson.
Violence and a lack of empathy.
What is the incident that sets the main conflict in motion?
HINT: Consider what specific event must happen to start the chain of events that leads to the final outcome.
Mr. Summers arriving with the black box.
What does the detail of the villagers keeping their distance from the black box suggest about their relationship with the lottery?
HINT: Think about the physical space between the villagers and the black box, and what that might symbolize about their emotional state.
They are fearful of its power and its potential outcome.
What internal conflict does Bill Hutchinson face in the final moments of the story?
HINT: Consider Bill Hutchinson's actions and words when his wife is chosen as the winner of the lottery.
He is conflicted between protecting his wife and upholding the village tradition.
What is Tessie Hutchinson’s initial attitude toward the lottery?
HINT: Think about Tessie's behavior when she first arrives at the town square.
She is late and seems to treat it as a routine, social event.
How does the theme of obedience relate to the villagers' actions?
HINT: Think about how the villagers react when Mrs. Hutchinson protests that the lottery 'wasn't fair.'
They all follow the same tradition without question, even against a family member.
What is the rising action?
HINT: Rising action includes all of the events that build up to the climax of the story.
Tessie Hutchinson yelling, 'It wasn't fair!'
The setting of the story on a 'clear and sunny' summer day is an example of...?
HINT: Consider the literary term for placing two contrasting elements side-by-side to create a new meaning.
Juxtaposition, where the pleasant setting is contrasted with the brutal event.
The children's gathering of stones at the beginning of the story is an example of what type of conflict?
HINT: Think about the purpose of the stones at the very end of the story.
This action foreshadows the Man vs. Man conflict at the end of the story.
What does Old Man Warner's character primarily represent?
HINT: Think about Old Man Warner's reaction when he hears that some places are considering giving up the lottery.
The strict adherence to tradition and the rejection of progress.
The loss of ritual over time, as seen with the black box and the formal chant, contributes to a theme of....?
HINT: Consider the fact that the villagers no longer remember the original reason for the lottery, yet they continue to do it anyway.
Ritual and its detachment from reason or purpose.
What is the resolution of the plot?
HINT: The resolution of a story is the ending that follows the climax and brings the narrative to a close.
The stoning of Tessie Hutchinson.
What does the story’s setting in a small, close-knit village emphasize?
HINT: Consider the relationship between the villagers and how this changes when Tessie is chosen.
The villagers’ willingness to turn on their neighbors and family members.
The conflict between Old Man Warner and Mrs. Adams is an example of..?
HINT: What is the subject of their brief conversation during the drawing of the names?
Man vs. Man, as they represent the conflict between tradition and change.
Which detail about the black box provides insight into the village's character?
HINT: Consider the villagers' reaction when Mr. Summers suggests making a new box.
Its shabbiness and age reflect the villagers' reluctance to change tradition.
What does the opening description of a 'clear and sunny' summer day primarily contribute to the theme?
HINT: Think about the juxtaposition between the peaceful description of the setting and the violent ending of the story.
It creates a sense of peaceful normalcy that stands in contrast to the brutal ritual.
How does the plot's rising action affect the story's suspense?
HINT: Consider the atmosphere of the village as the lottery progresses and what contributes to the reader's feeling of anticipation.
It builds suspense through the formal rituals and nervous behavior of the villagers.
What is the significance of the lottery taking place in a village with only three hundred people?
HINT: Think about how knowing everyone in the village makes the final outcome more impactful.
It emphasizes the small-town setting where everyone knows everyone else, making the violence more personal.
When Tessie Hutchinson yells, 'It wasn't fair!', what type of conflict is she creating?
HINT: Consider who Tessie is fighting against when she raises her voice in protest.
Man vs. Society, as she is challenging the village's rules and norms.