The Lottery

In the story, the lottery is put in the same category as “the square dances, the teenage club, the Halloween program” and other “civic activities” (lines 38–40). Based on these ideas, how do you expect the winner of the lottery to feel?

• bored

• curious

• fearful

• happy

Which statement best describes the history of the lottery in the village?

• It is a ritual unchanged since its beginnings.

• It is a tradition as old as the village itself.

• It is a recent plan to raise money for the village.

• It is a tradition unique to this particular village.

What phrase best describes the mood the author tries to create in the story?

• dread and surprise

• excitement and happiness

• peace and anticipation

• sadness and boredom

When talking about people who suggest the lottery should be given up, Old Man Warner says, “Used to be a saying about ‘Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.' First thing you know, we'd all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns” (lines 197–199). What can you infer about the purpose of the lottery from these lines?

• It provides money to support farmers.

• It tells farmers when to plant.

• It determines what crops should be planted.

• It helps ensure a good harvest.

Why does Mrs. Hutchinson say that the lottery drawing is unfair?

• Her family is excluded from the drawing.

• She arrives too late to draw a slip of paper.

• She knows the result of the lottery is bad.

• She wants her friend to have another chance.

What human trait does Shirley Jackson criticize in this story?

• arrogance

• conformity

• curiosity

• greed

Profusely means

• deeply.

• forcefully.

• plentifully.

• simply.

Doing something in a perfunctory way means doing it without

• caution.

• enthusiasm.

• preparation.

• skill.

Someone who speaks petulantly is

• grouchy.

• relaxed.

• sociable.

• wicked.

What does defiantly mean?

• awkwardly

• happily

• rebelliously

• sloppily