The Lottery: Analyzing Textual Information and Language

What is the primary purpose of the lottery in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"?

• To ensure a good harvest

• To select a new town leader

• To maintain tradition

• To punish a criminal

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Which of the following best describes the mood created by the setting at the beginning of "The Lottery"?

• Joyful and festive

• Calm and peaceful

• Tense and foreboding

• Mysterious and eerie

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What can be inferred about the townspeople's attitude towards the lottery?

• They are excited and look forward to it.

• They are indifferent and see it as a routine.

• They are fearful but accept it as necessary.

• They are openly opposed to it.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What is the main idea of "The Lottery"?

• The dangers of blindly following tradition

• The importance of community events

• The randomness of fate

• The value of sacrifice

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does Shirley Jackson use language to create a sense of normalcy at the beginning of the story?

• By describing the weather and the children playing

• By detailing the history of the lottery

• By focusing on the nervousness of the townspeople

• By using dark and ominous descriptions

What explicit information is given about the black box used in the lottery?

• It is a new box made every year.

• It is a symbol of hope.

• It is old and worn out.

• It is decorated with flowers.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the intended audience for "The Lottery"?

• Children

• Adults

• Teenagers

• Elderly

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Which of the following is an example of imagery in "The Lottery"?

• "The lottery was conducted as were the square dances, the teen club, the Halloween program..."

• "The black box grew shabbier each year..."

• "The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day..."

• "Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box..."

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What complex inference can be drawn about the character of Tessie Hutchinson?

• She is a strong supporter of the lottery.

• She is indifferent to the lottery's outcome.

• She only opposes the lottery when it affects her directly.

• She is the leader of the town.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What is the author's purpose in writing "The Lottery"?

• To entertain with a thrilling story

• To criticize societal norms and traditions

• To inform about historical events

• To persuade readers to adopt new traditions

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6