Answer the Following Questions in Your Notebook

“The Lottery” Assignment: Read the short story in your 9H Reader for Monday’s class (page 9 of your reader). Then, answer the following questions in your notebook. You do not need to write the answers, just write in complete sentences!! **This story is on your final. Please read and answer the questions carefully and thoughtfully.

1. What is the final step of the lottery? Who participates? What is the purpose of their lottery?

2. Were you surprised by the ending of the story? If not, at what point did you know what was going to happen?

3. What is the setting of the story? In what way does the setting affect the story, and what mood does the setting create at the beginning of the story? Does it make you more or less likely to expect the ending?

4. Jackson gives interesting names to a number of her characters. Explain the possible symbolism of the name Mr. Graves, Mr. Summers and Mr. Warner? (Consider their role in the lottery when you consider the significance behind their names).

5. This is a different sort of story when you read it for the second time. The characters actions seem to reveal more when you already know what the ending is going to be as you are reading. What elements (such as Mrs. Hutchinson's attempt to have her daughter, Eva, draw with the family) take on a different meaning the second time through?

6. This story was published in 1948. Are there any cultural or historical events that Jackson might be commenting on here? Is this JUST a story about this particular time and place, or is she trying to say something important about human nature? Could this story be considered an allegory?

7. What arguments does Old Man Warner present for keeping the lottery?

8. A lottery winner is generally very pleased with his luck. How does Bill Hutchinson react when he "gets it"? What is Tessie’s reaction? Is her accusation fair?

9. Students reactions are often that is a very “weird” story. But is it so weird? Do you think something like this could ever happen? (Think about traditions or rituals that have existed throughout history or even currently in our society and other cultures)