The Lottery Themes

What does the lack of knowledge about the origins of the lottery suggest?

• People often accept traditions without knowing their origins or original purpose

• That the reasons for why traditions start are not really important

• That people don't care about history and find it boring

• None of these answers

What does Old Man Warner's defense fo the lottery suggest about people's attitudes about tradition?

• People are eager to change traditions and create new ones

• People don't trust the people who came before them or their traditions

• People avoid following traditions

• People are reluctant to change traditions

Choose TWO themes in "The Lottery"?

• All traditions are important and should never be forgotten.

• Individuals can do terrible things when pressured by society.

• Some villages have dangerous traditions

• It is dangerous to blindly follow tradition.

• Lotteries are always in the best interest of everyone involved

What is symbolized by the black dot?

• Tradition

• Death 

• Faith 

• Mankind

Who "wins" the lottery?

• Clyde Dunbar

• Joe Summers

• Tessie Hutchinson

• Bill Hutchinson

The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago... In this passage from the story, what is the word paraphernalia referring to?

• The clothing worn to the lottery

• The chant that used to be sung during the lottery

• The equipment needed for the lottery

• The papers that are stored in the black box.

How do the townspeople view the lottery box?

• They are afraid of it.

• They all want to get rid of it.

• They see it as part of a tradition.

• They are disinterested in the box.

Choose TWO themes in "The Lottery":

• All traditions are important and should never be forgotten.

• Individuals can do terrible things when pressured by society.

• Some villages have dangerous traditions

• It is dangerous to blindly follow tradition.

• Lotteries are always in the best interest of everyone involved

When Old Man Warner hears that some places have dropped the lottery, he...

• feels a flicker of hope but remains silent.

• expresses strong disapproval.

• is so stunned that he leaves the village.

What is the primary theme of Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery'?

• A) The danger of blindly following tradition

• B) The joy of winning a prize

• C) The importance of community gatherings

• D) The randomness of life