The Lottery Shirley Jackson Quiz: Questions With Answers

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The Lottery Shirley Jackson Quiz: Questions With Answers - Quiz


Do you love to read? You must have read the popular book, The Lottery, written by Shirley Jackson. You can take up "The Lottery" quiz. This quiz is about the book and will help you recall everything you read. All you need is to answer the questions correctly for the perfect score. You can also learn some new things you missed while reading the book.

In this quiz, you'll encounter a variety of questions designed to challenge your knowledge of the narrative, characters, themes, and symbolism within "The Lottery." From the unsettling traditions of the small town to Read morethe enigmatic characters who participate in the ritual, every aspect of the story will be explored.
Join us on this journey through the haunting landscape of Shirley Jackson's imagination. Test your comprehension, sharpen your analytical skills, and discover new insights into one of literature's most intriguing and provocative works. Take our The Lottery Shirley Jackson Quiz and find out!


The Lottery Shirley Jackson Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    Describe how the village looks on the day of the lottery.

    • A.

      Very metropolitan, with shiny glass commercial buildings

    • B.

      Neat houses, green lawns, and flowers everywhere

    • C.

      Gloomy and cold with gray houses

    • D.

      Dusty, dry with paint peeling off the houses

    Correct Answer
    B. Neat houses, green lawns, and flowers everywhere
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 2. 

    Why are people gathering in the town square?

    • A.

      There is a band concert in the morning.

    • B.

      They are voting on whether to discontinue the lottery.

    • C.

      The mayor is making a speech.

    • D.

      It is the annual lottery day.

    Correct Answer
    D. 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.

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  • 3. 

    What is the traditional job of the village boys on lottery day?

    • A.

      They play an exhibition football game before the lottery.

    • B.

      They collect stones and bring them to the town square.

    • C.

      They form an honor guard for the lottery box.

    • D.

      They keep the younger children off the grass.

    Correct Answer
    B. They collect stones and bring them to the town square.
    Explanation
    On lottery day, the traditional job of the village boys is to collect stones and bring them to the town square. This suggests that the stones have some significance or purpose related to the lottery. The reason for collecting stones could be to use them in the drawing of lots or to mark the winners or participants in some way. The act of collecting stones implies a ritualistic element to the lottery, where the stones play a role in the process.

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  • 4. 

    Which stones are the most prized in the lottery?

    • A.

      Shiny, decorative ones

    • B.

      Hard, jagged ones

    • C.

      Smooth, round ones

    • D.

      Heavy, flat ones

    Correct Answer
    C. Smooth, round ones
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 5. 

    What is the date of the lottery?

    • A.

      July 4th

    • B.

      February 2nd

    • C.

      June 27th

    • D.

      April 1st

    Correct Answer
    C. June 27th
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 6. 

    In a large village, how long might the lottery last?

    • A.

      All day because they have more activities in the square.

    • B.

      An hour because the slips were mailed to people.

    • C.

      Not long because of better equipment.

    • D.

      As many as seven days.

    Correct Answer
    D. As many as seven days.
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 7. 

    What are the men doing before it is time for the lottery to begin?

    • A.

      Standing together and talking politics.

    • B.

      Standing together and talking about women.

    • C.

      Standing in a group but not talking.

    • D.

      Standing in a group talking about tractors and rain.

    Correct Answer
    D. Standing in a group talking about tractors and rain.
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 8. 

    What are the women doing before the lottery?

    • A.

      Standing together and gossiping.

    • B.

      Putting up the bunting.

    • C.

      Avoiding each other's eyes.

    • D.

      Running around looking for their children.

    Correct Answer
    A. Standing together and gossiping.
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 9. 

    How do they assemble when it is time to begin the ceremony?

    • A.

      In double file lines.

    • B.

      Making a huge circle in the town square.

    • C.

      Crowding forward to try to be the first to draw.

    • D.

      Coming together in family groups.

    Correct Answer
    D. Coming together in family groups.
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 10. 

    What is being used for the first time this year?

    • A.

      Slips of paper instead of wood chips

    • B.

      A new black box

    • C.

      Black and white ping pong balls

    • D.

      A bigger stool

    Correct Answer
    A. Slips of paper instead of wood chips
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 11. 

    What serious formality occurs before the lottery begins?

    • A.

      The singing of the village anthem

    • B.

      The swearing-in of the officials

    • C.

      The pledge of allegiance

    • D.

      The blessing of the box

    Correct Answer
    B. The swearing-in of the officials
    Explanation
    Before the lottery begins, a serious formality that occurs is the swearing-in of the officials. This suggests that the lottery is a formal and official event, and the officials have a role to play in its execution. Swearing-in the officials ensures that they are committed to carrying out their duties with integrity and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the lottery. It also adds an element of seriousness and legitimacy to the proceedings.

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  • 12. 

    What is Mr. Zanini's distinction at the lottery?

    • A.

      He is the last one to draw a slip from the black box.

    • B.

      He is the first one to draw in the lottery.

    • C.

      He is the oldest man at the lottery.

    • D.

      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.

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  • 13. 

    What sound is heard as the papers are opened?

    • A.

      Nothing. It is very quiet.

    • B.

      The school marching band.

    • C.

      Lil Wayne

    • D.

      The women are speaking all at once.

    Correct Answer
    D. 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.

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  • 14. 

    What is the procedure after Bill reveals that his family is the one?

    • A.

      Slips will be put in the box for every member of the Hutchinson family.

    • B.

      The youngest Hutchinson will claim the prize.

    • C.

      The village people will vote for their favorite Hutchinson family member.

    • D.

      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.

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  • 15. 

    Who needs help from Mr. Graves to open his slip?

    • A.

      Tessie

    • B.

      All of the children

    • C.

      Little Dave Hutchinson

    • D.

      The youngest daughter

    Correct Answer
    C. Little Dave Hutchinson
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 16. 

    Who will participate in the ritual?

    • A.

      All of Tessie's friends, neighbors, and family members.

    • B.

      Only women because Tessie is a woman.

    • C.

      The children only because it is their holiday.

    • D.

      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.

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  • 17. 

    What type of story is The Lottery?

    • A.

      A comedy

    • B.

      A satire

    • C.

      A history

    • D.

      A drama

    Correct Answer
    B. A satire
    Explanation
    "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.

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  • 18. 

    What is Jackson's main theme in this short story?

    • A.

      The foolishness of blindly following tradition

    • B.

      The value of human life

    • C.

      The need for tradition in small towns

    • D.

      The need for change in a community

    Correct Answer
    A. The foolishness of blindly following tradition
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 19. 

    What is the tone as the story begins?

    • A.

      Dry like a newspaper article

    • B.

      An average day with the overcast sky

    • C.

      Dreary and ominous

    • D.

      Cheerful, bright, and colorful

    Correct Answer
    D. Cheerful, bright, and colorful
    Explanation
    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.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 10, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jun 27, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Tkblaylock
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