“Lottery”

1. “Lottery” Shirley Jackson

2. Review • Why are the townspeople holding the lottery? Why don't they stop? • Please find two specific examples of foreshadowing in the story • Please explain the symbolism of the black box in the story. • Pick two of the character names and discuss what meaning their names add to the story. • Who “wins”?

3. More Discussion • What is the author’s message in the story?   • Sacrifice rituals operate on the principle of "scapegoating," which is basically blaming others in order to feel better, are there any examples in our current society of using scapegoats? • What was your reaction to the end of the story and why? Was the story predictable? Explain.

4. Creating Suspense • What is your impression of this story? Is it scary to you? What does it remind you of? • What techniques does the writer employ to add meaning to the story?

5. Creating Suspense • Find a specific place in the story where Jackson withholds knowledge from the reader to increase suspense. • Make a list of ways that writers and movie directors can create suspense, make things creepy, or create a sinister mood.