Exploring Themes and Symbolism in The Lottery

The story 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, set in a small village, describes an annual lottery where villagers gather to draw slips of paper. The event is steeped in tradition, with Mr. Summers overseeing the process using a black box. As the lottery progresses, tension builds until Tessie Hutchinson is selected, revealing the dark nature of the ritual. Despite the loss of some original rituals, the villagers remember to use stones, highlighting the story's theme of blind adherence to tradition.

What was the weather like on the morning of June 27th?

• Clear and sunny

• Rainy and cold

• Cloudy and windy

• Foggy and humid

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Why did the children gather first in the square?

• They wanted to see the black box

• They were waiting for their parents

• School had recently ended for the summer

• They were eager to play

Who conducted the lottery in the village?

• Old Man Warner

• Mr. Martin

• Mr. Graves

• Mr. Summers

What was the black box used for?

• Collecting donations

• Storing the villagers' names

• Holding the slips of paper for the lottery

• Keeping the stones for the ritual

What had Mr. Summers successfully changed about the lottery?

• The location of the lottery

• The date of the lottery

• The use of slips of paper instead of wood chips

• The person conducting the lottery

Who was the first person called to draw a slip of paper?

• Mr. Martin

• Mr. Summers

• Mr. Adams

• Mr. Dunbar

What did Old Man Warner think about giving up the lottery?

• He was indifferent

• He thought it was foolish

• He was unsure

• He supported the idea

Who protested that the lottery was not fair?

• Tessie Hutchinson

• Mr. Summers

• Old Man Warner

• Mrs. Dunbar

What was the final outcome for Tessie Hutchinson?

• She was chosen and stoned

• She was spared

• She escaped

• She convinced the villagers to stop

What did the villagers use to carry out the final act of the lottery?

• Knives

• Sticks

• Ropes

• Stones