The Lottery

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 6 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: What do you learn about the village and the people as they gather in the square? Use details from the story to explain the mood at the beginning.
2. Chapter 2: The word lottery usually makes people think of winning a prize. How is the meaning of lottery different in this story, and why do you think the author chose that word?
3. Chapter 3: What kind of leader does Mr. Summers seem to be? Describe him using at least two details from the story.
4. Chapter 4: As the drawing continues, what clues make you think something is not right? What do you predict might happen next?
5. Chapter 5: What message, or theme, do you think the story gives about traditions? Explain how the villagers' actions help show that message.
6. Chapter 6: How did you feel about the ending of the story? Do you think the villagers should keep doing the lottery or change their tradition? Explain your opinion.

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 2: The word lottery usually makes people think of winning a prize. How is the meaning of lottery different in this story, and why do you think the author chose that word?

I usually think a lottery is something happy because someone wins money or a prize. In this story, the lottery is not happy at all, because the person chosen is in danger. I think Shirley Jackson chose that word to surprise the reader. It makes the ending feel even more shocking because the word seemed positive at first.

Chapter 5: What message, or theme, do you think the story gives about traditions? Explain how the villagers' actions help show that message.

I think the theme is that people should think carefully about traditions instead of following them just because they are old. The villagers keep doing the lottery even though it hurts someone. Some people do not even remember all the reasons for it, but they still join in. This shows that a tradition can be harmful if nobody questions it.

Chapter 6: How did you feel about the ending of the story? Do you think the villagers should keep doing the lottery or change their tradition? Explain your opinion.

I felt upset and surprised by the ending because the village seemed normal at the beginning. I do not think the villagers should keep doing the lottery. A tradition should not hurt people or make families afraid. I think they should find a new way to bring the town together that is safe and kind.