Questions and Answers
Who is Mrs. Hutchinson?
Didn't have a problem until she was picked in the lottery
Who is Bill Hutchinson?
Tessie's husband. He first draws the marked paper, but he picks a blank paper during the second drawing.
Who is Mr. Graves?
The postmaster who helps Summers with the lottery.
What is the role of Mr. Summers?
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Who is Davy Hutchinson?
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Who is Shirley Jackson?
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Who is Mrs. Dunbar?
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Who is Old Man Warner?
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Who is Mr. Martin?
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Who is Mrs. Delacroix?
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Who are the protagonists in the story?
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What is the setting of 'The Lottery'?
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What is the theme of 'The Lottery'?
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What point of view is 'The Lottery' told from?
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What is the main conflict in 'The Lottery'?
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What is the plot of 'The Lottery'?
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Who are the main characters in the story?
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What are some examples of foreshadowing in 'The Lottery'?
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What are some examples of symbolism in 'The Lottery'?
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What are some examples of irony in 'The Lottery'?
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What are some examples of allusion in 'The Lottery'?
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What is the mood in 'The Lottery'?
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What is the tone of 'The Lottery'?
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Who was in charge of calling the names for the lottery?
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Who assembled first in the square during the lottery?
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What was drawn out of the black box during the lottery?
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Study Notes
Characters in "The Lottery"
- Mrs. Hutchinson: Initially indifferent to the lottery until her name is drawn, highlighting the theme of blind conformity.
- Bill Hutchinson: Tessie's husband; draws a marked slip but later picks a blank paper, shows reluctance to protect his wife.
- Mr. Graves: The postmaster who assists in the lottery; his ominous name suggests a dark thematic undertone.
- Mr. Summers: Conductor of the lottery; organizes the event and embodies authority within the village.
- Davy Hutchinson: Youngest son of Tessie and Bill; tragically participates in his mother's stoning, symbolizing innocence lost.
- Mrs. Dunbar: Takes her invalid husband's place in the lottery, displaying courage amid societal pressure.
- Old Man Warner: 77 years old; resistant to change and a staunch supporter of the lottery, representing tradition.
- Mr. Martin: Grocer who aids Mr. Summers; showcases community involvement in the ritual.
- Mrs. Delacroix: Supports the lottery; exemplifies hypocrisy as she turns against Tessie when her name is drawn.
- Protagonist: Represents the villagers participating in the lottery, emphasizing collective complicity.
- Antagonist: The black box and marked paper symbolize tradition and the violence it perpetuates.
Setting and Context
- Setting: A small village on June 27th around 10 o’clock; population approximately 300, symbolizing a close-knit yet cruel community.
- Theme: Critique of unexamined traditions; discourages following customs without questioning their morality.
Literary Elements
- Point of View: Third-person perspective allows readers to observe the villagers’ actions and attitudes impartially.
- Main Conflict: Man vs. Society; encapsulates Mrs. Hutchinson's struggle against the oppressive social structure.
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Plot Structure:
- Exposition: Introduction of setting and character dynamics.
- Rising Action: Build-up to the lottery event.
- Climax: Tessie's shocking "victory."
- Falling Action: Tessie's protests against injustice.
- Resolution: The tragic stoning marks the culmination of societal cruelty.
Character Analysis
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Character Types:
- Mr. Hutchinson: Static character, unchanged by events.
- Mrs. Hutchinson: Dynamic character; her views evolve dramatically as she confronts the lottery's brutality.
- Mr. Summers: Static character; represents the unyielding nature of tradition.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
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Foreshadowing:
- Children collecting stones hints at impending violence.
- Villagers' anxious demeanor sets a grim tone.
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Symbolism:
- The black box: Represents the degradation of tradition over time and the acceptance of violence in society.
Irony and Allusion
- Irony: The lottery's initial appearance as a benign event contrasts sharply with its violent conclusion, subverting expectations.
- Allusion: The surname Delacroix evokes Christian imagery— "Of the Cross"—suggesting sacrificial themes.
Mood and Tone
- Mood: Sad and depressing; evokes discomfort and tension throughout the narrative.
- Tone: Serious and evil; reflects the dark nature of the tradition.
Key Events
- Drawing Process: Slips of paper from the black box, where one carries a black dot indicating the chosen victim.
- Assembly Order: Children first, followed by men and women, showing societal structure.
- Tessie’s Late Arrival: Highlights her casual attitude towards the lottery before it drastically changes.
Conclusion
- Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" explores themes of tradition, community pressure, and moral conflict, challenging readers to reflect upon the implications of blindly following societal norms.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the key characters from Shirley Jackson's short story 'The Lottery'. Explore the motivations and roles of characters such as Mrs. Hutchinson, Bill Hutchinson, and Mr. Graves. Test your understanding of their significance within the story.
