The Lottery Shirley Jackson Quiz: Questions With Answers
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What is the traditional job of the village boys on lottery day?
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They play an exhibition football game before the lottery.
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They collect stones and bring them to the town square.
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They form an honor guard for the lottery box.
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They keep the younger children off the grass.
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Explore the themes, characters, and powerful message of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery in this fun quiz. Known for its unsettling portrayal of tradition and group mentality, The Lottery challenges readers to question the moral implications of societal norms. The Lottery Quiz delves into its setting, characters, and symbols to test your understanding of the story’s deeper layers.
If See moreyou are a student studying this literary masterpiece or a reader revisiting it, this quiz offers a detailed exploration of one of literature’s most thought-provoking short stories. Through carefully crafted The Lottery multiple-choice questions, you will analyze the tension Jackson builds, the unsettling atmosphere she creates, and the story’s critique of blindly following traditions.
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- 2.
Why did people gather in the town square?
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There is a band concert in the morning.
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They are voting on whether to discontinue the lottery.
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The mayor is making a speech.
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It is the annual lottery day.
Correct Answer
A. It is the annual lottery day.Explanation
The correct answer is "It is the annual lottery day." This explanation suggests that people are gathering in the town square because it is the day of the annual lottery. This event likely attracts a large crowd and is a significant occasion for the community, hence the gathering.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is the date of the lottery?
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July 4th
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February 2nd
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June 27th
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April 1st
Correct Answer
A. June 27thExplanation
In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," the story is set in a small, unnamed village with approximately 300 residents. The narrative describes an annual event known as "the lottery," which takes place on June 27th. The townspeople gather with a mix of excitement and nervousness for this tradition. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the lottery has a dark and shocking outcome. The deliberate ambiguity surrounding the village, its inhabitants, and the ritual contributes to the story's impact, allowing readers to reflect on themes of conformity, tradition, and the potential for cruelty in society.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What are the women doing before the lottery?
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Standing together and gossiping
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Putting up the bunting
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Avoiding each other's eyes
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Running around looking for their children
Correct Answer
A. Standing together and gossipingExplanation
The correct answer is "Standing together and gossiping." This answer is supported by the phrase "before the lottery," which implies that the women are engaging in an activity prior to the lottery event. The phrase "standing together" suggests that the women are in a group, and "gossiping" indicates that they are engaged in casual conversation. Therefore, the most appropriate explanation is that the women are socializing and chatting with each other while waiting for the lottery to begin.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How did the village looked on the day of the lottery?
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Very metropolitan, with shiny glass commercial buildings
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Neat houses, green lawns, and flowers everywhere
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Gloomy and cold with gray houses
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Dusty, dry with paint peeling off the houses
Correct Answer
A. Neat houses, green lawns, and flowers everywhereExplanation
The correct answer is "Neat houses, green lawns, and flowers everywhere." This suggests that the village is well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. The presence of green lawns and flowers indicates a sense of beauty and nature. Neat houses imply that the villagers take pride in their homes and surroundings. Overall, this description portrays a picturesque and pleasant village environment.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is being used for the first time this year?
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Slips of paper instead of wood chips
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A new black box
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Black and white ping pong balls
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A bigger stool
Correct Answer
A. Slips of paper instead of wood chipsExplanation
This year, slips of paper are being used instead of wood chips for the first time. This suggests that in previous years, wood chips were used for some purpose, which has now been replaced by slips of paper. The reason for this change is not provided, but it could be due to factors such as cost, availability, or environmental concerns. The use of slips of paper instead of wood chips may have advantages such as easier handling, less mess, or better functionality.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the procedure after Bill reveals that his family is the one?
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Slips will be put in the box for every member of the Hutchinson family.
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The youngest Hutchinson will claim the prize.
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The village people will vote for their favorite Hutchinson family member.
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The Hutchinson family will draw straws to see who takes the prize.
Correct Answer
A. Slips will be put in the box for every member of the Hutchinson family.Explanation
After Bill reveals that his family is the one, slips will be put in the box for every member of the Hutchinson family. This indicates that each member of the family will have a chance to participate in the next step or event. The slips in the box may be used for a random selection or some form of decision-making process that involves all members of the Hutchinson family.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is Jackson's main theme in this short story?
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The foolishness of blindly following tradition
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The value of human life
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The need for tradition in small towns
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The need for change in a community
Correct Answer
A. The foolishness of blindly following traditionExplanation
This short story explores the idea that blindly following tradition can lead to foolishness. The author likely presents characters who adhere to tradition without questioning its purpose or relevance. Through their actions and consequences, the story likely highlights the negative outcomes of blindly following tradition, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and questioning of established norms.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who will participate in the ritual?
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All of Tessie's friends, neighbors, and family members.
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Only women because Tessie is a woman.
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The children only because it is their holiday.
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Only the men of the village.
Correct Answer
A. All of Tessie's friends, neighbors, and family members.Explanation
The correct answer is All of Tessie's friends, neighbors, and family members. This is because the question states that "All of Tessie's friends, neighbors, and family members" will participate in the ritual. There is no mention of any specific gender or age group being excluded from the participation.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who needs help from Mr. Graves to open his slip?
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Tessie
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All of the children
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Little Dave Hutchinson
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The youngest daughter
Correct Answer
A. Little Dave HutchinsonExplanation
In "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, after the townspeople draw slips of paper from the black box during the lottery ritual, Little Dave Hutchinson is too young to manage his slip on his own. Mr. Graves, who is associated with the conduct of the lottery, assists the young boy in unfolding and revealing his slip. This detail serves to emphasize the normalized nature of the ritual, involving even the youngest members of the community. The innocence of a child being part of such a grim tradition contributes to the unsettling and thought-provoking atmosphere of the story.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which stones are the most prized in the lottery?
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Shiny, decorative ones
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Hard, jagged ones
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Smooth, round ones
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Heavy, flat ones
Correct Answer
A. Smooth, round onesExplanation
Smooth, round stones are the most prized in the lottery because they are aesthetically pleasing and have a pleasing tactile feel. Their smoothness and round shape make them more visually appealing and desirable compared to the other options. Additionally, smooth, round stones are often associated with being lucky or having positive energy, which further increases their desirability in a lottery setting.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is the tone as the story begins?
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Dry like a newspaper article
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An average day with the overcast sky
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Dreary and ominous
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Cheerful, bright, and colorful
Correct Answer
A. Cheerful, bright, and colorfulExplanation
The given answer suggests that the tone of the story is initially cheerful, bright, and colorful. This implies that the story begins on a positive and vibrant note, creating a sense of happiness and liveliness. The author may use descriptive and vivid language to convey a joyful atmosphere, setting a cheerful tone for the narrative.Rate this question:
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- 13.
How do they assemble when it is time to begin the ceremony?
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In double file lines
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Making a huge circle in the town square
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Crowding forward to try to be the first to draw
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Coming together in family groups
Correct Answer
A. Coming together in family groupsExplanation
The correct answer is coming together in family groups. This suggests that during the ceremony, individuals gather with their respective family members. This could be a traditional or cultural practice where families come together to participate in the ceremony as a unit. It implies a sense of unity and togetherness among family members during the event.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What type of story is The Lottery?
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A comedy
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A satire
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A history
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A drama
Correct Answer
A. A satireExplanation
"The Lottery" is a satire because it uses humor and irony to criticize and mock certain aspects of society. The story presents a seemingly innocent tradition of a small town's lottery, but as the plot unfolds, it reveals the dark and disturbing nature of blindly following traditions and the cruelty that can arise from it. This satirical approach highlights the flaws and absurdities of human behavior, making a social commentary on the dangers of conformity and the need for critical thinking.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What are the men doing before it is time for the lottery to begin?
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Standing together and talking politics
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Standing together and talking about women
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Standing in a group but not talking
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Standing in a group talking about tractors and rain
Correct Answer
A. Standing in a group talking about tractors and rainExplanation
The correct answer is "Standing in a group talking about tractors and rain." This answer suggests that the men are engaged in casual conversation about farming-related topics, specifically tractors and rain. The phrase "before it is time for the lottery to begin" implies that the men are waiting for a specific event to start, and in the meantime, they pass the time by discussing these subjects.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What does the black box symbolize in "The Lottery"?
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Wealth and prosperity
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The fragility of life and tradition
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Authority and power
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Hope for a better future
Correct Answer
A. The fragility of life and traditionExplanation
The black box symbolizes the community's adherence to tradition despite its age and deterioration. Its worn condition mirrors the fragility of traditions that persist without meaningful purpose, highlighting how societies often cling to outdated and harmful customs. The box’s ominous presence also represents the looming threat of death inherent in the ritual.Rate this question:
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- 17.
In a large village, how long might the lottery last?
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All day because they have more activities in the square.
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An hour because the slips were mailed to people.
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Not long because of better equipment
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As many as seven days
Correct Answer
A. As many as seven daysExplanation
The correct answer is "As many as seven days." This suggests that the lottery in the large village could potentially last for a week. The reason for this could be that there are a significant number of participants or that the lottery is conducted in a way that takes several days to complete. It is likely that there are multiple rounds or stages involved in the lottery process, leading to a longer duration.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What is Mr. Zanini's distinction at the lottery?
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He is the last one to draw a slip from the black box.
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He is the first one to draw in the lottery.
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He is the oldest man at the lottery.
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He is the only single man there.
Correct Answer
A. He is the last one to draw a slip from the black box.Explanation
Mr. Zanini's distinction at the lottery is that he is the last one to draw a slip from the black box. This means that all the other participants have already drawn their slips before him.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What serious formality occurs before the lottery begins?
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The singing of the village anthem
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The swearing-in of the officials
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The pledge of allegiance
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The blessing of the box
Correct Answer
A. The swearing-in of the officialsExplanation
In Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery," the serious formality that occurs before the lottery begins is the swearing-in of the officials. This involves the lottery official, Mr. Summers, swearing in the postmaster, Mr. Graves, to oversee the proceedings of the lottery. This formality adds to the gravity and ritualistic nature of the event.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What sound is heard as the papers are opened?
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Nothing. It is very quiet.
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The school marching band.
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Lil Wayne
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The women are speaking all at once.
Correct Answer
A. The women are speaking all at once.Explanation
The correct answer is "The women are speaking all at once." This answer suggests that the sound heard when the papers are opened is the women speaking simultaneously. This implies that the opening of the papers has caused a reaction or discussion among the women, resulting in a noisy environment.Rate this question:
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Dec 05, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jun 27, 2010Quiz Created by
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