The Lottery Quiz

What is the purpose of the description of the lottery in paragraph 1?

• That the lottery is very important

• Certain something bad will happen

• That the lottery is a pleasant tradition

• To make the reader feel suspicious about the true meaning of the lottery

Which of the following describes a theme of the text?

• Sometimes a few people must be sacrificed to ensure the group's survival

• Traditions help people understand the past

• Important decisions should not be made by lotteries

• Even if something is cruel, people have the tendency to follow the crowd and participate

What purpose does Old Man Warner's character best serve in the story?

• He represents the fear of change and desire to follow traditions

• He represents the acceptance of change in traditions over time

• He represents the value of overcoming hardship

• He represents the importance of respecting one's elders

How does the detail 'And someone gave little Davy Hutchinson a few pebbles' contribute to the text (Paragraph 76)?

• It shows that Davy doesn't like his mother and wishes to hurt her

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

• It reveals that no one expects Davy to seriously injure his mother

• It emphasizes that the children no longer understand the violence of the lottery

Why do the townspeople agree to take part in the lottery and turn against each other?

• They believe it is for the greater good of the community

• They enjoy the violence and chaos of the lottery

• They are forced to participate by the government

• They are unaware of the true purpose of the lottery

Do you think their willingness to take part in the lottery makes them bad people? Why or why not?

• No, because they are following a long-standing tradition

• No, because they believe it is for the greater good of the community

• Yes, because they enjoy the violence and chaos of the lottery

• Yes, because they are unaware of the true purpose of the lottery

Mrs. Hutchinson doesn't argue about whether or not the lottery is fair until her husband is picked. Why do you think this is?

• She is a passive character who does not question authority

• She believes the lottery is fair until it directly affects her family

• She is unaware of the true purpose of the lottery

• She is afraid of the consequences of speaking out against the lottery

Are you surprised that everyone in the town goes along with the lottery? Why or why not?

• Yes, because the townspeople are usually rebellious

• No, because they are influenced by the actions of those around them

• No, because they are forced to participate by the government

• Yes, because they are aware of the true purpose of the lottery

Do you think the townspeople are influenced by the actions of those around them?

• No, they are aware of the true purpose of the lottery

• Yes, they are influenced by the fear of being outcast from the community

• No, they are independent thinkers who make their own decisions

• Yes, they are easily swayed by the opinions of others

Have you ever felt compelled to do something because other people were doing it?

• Yes, I have felt pressured to go along with the crowd

• No, I am always confident in my own beliefs and actions

• Yes, I have felt compelled to participate in traditions even if I didn't agree with them

• No, I always make my own decisions regardless of others' actions