"The Lottery"

By Shirley Jackson
The story begins with the suggestion of idyllic
country life:

1.What is the first point in the story at which you

sense something is not quite right?

2. Create a list of ominous signs which

accumulate, foreshadowing later conflicts.
The impact of the story depends on Jackson creating a recognizable,
congenial setting, then placing within it a horrifying event:

3.What is her purpose in doing this?

4.What social comments does ?Jackson seem

to be making?
5. Comment on the significance of symbolism for each of the
following:
a. the lottery date
b. the children’s attitudes
c. the names and roles of the Summers and Graves
d. the purposeful mispronunciation of Delacroix
e. the shabbiness of the black box
f. the treatment of the box the rest of the year
g. the substitution of wood chips for paper
h. the change to the ritual chant and salute
i. the way in which the winner is determined
j. the stoning finale
 Ironically, Tessie Hutchinson is the “winner”
of the lottery. Discuss the following:

6. How Tessie first views the lottery and then changes

in her view.

7. Old Man Warner’s views.

8. The views implicit in the actions of other villages.

9. Suggest the reason for each view.