"The Lottery" Review

Front

What is the main irony in 'The Lottery'?

Back

The story sets up the lottery as a positive tradition, but it ends with Tessie Hutchinson's death.

Front

Where does the tone of the story shift dramatically?

Back

Between paragraphs 9 and 10.

Front

What quote shows that not every part of the lottery is regulated?

Back

"The rest of the year, the box was put away, sometimes one place, sometimes another; it had spent one year in Mr. Grave's barn and another year underfoot in the post office, and sometimes it was set on a shelf in the Martin grocery and left there."

Front

Why did Tessie want Eva to draw with the Hutchinsons?

Back

Tessie would have preferred Eva's husband Don or Eva to have been the ones to receive slips of paper with black marks on them.

Front

What does the line 'And someone gave little Davy Hutchinson a few pebbles' emphasize?

Back

It stresses that everyone participates in the lottery, even Mrs. Hutchinson's son.

Front

What is the significance of the black box in 'The Lottery'?

Back

The black box symbolizes tradition and the unquestioned adherence to outdated customs.

Front

How does Shirley Jackson create suspense in 'The Lottery'?

Back

By gradually revealing the true nature of the lottery through the villagers' actions and dialogue.

Front

What role do the children play in the lottery?

Back

The children gather stones, symbolizing the continuation of the violent tradition.

Front

What does Tessie's reaction to the lottery reveal about her character?

Back

Tessie's initial nonchalance turns to desperation when she becomes the chosen one, highlighting human instinct for self-preservation.

Front

How does the setting contribute to the story's themes?

Back

The small, seemingly idyllic village contrasts sharply with the brutal reality of the lottery, emphasizing themes of conformity and violence.