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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the story, what idea does Shirley Jackson carefully avoid?

2. What are the women doing before the lottery?

3. What is Jackson satirizing by having the children participate so willingly in the stoning?

4. Why can Clyde Dunbar not draw for his family?

5. What accusation does Tessie make to Joe Summers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some other town functions that Mr. Summers presides over?

2. According to the rules of the lottery, how long does the stoning go on?

3. What do the boys do to prepare for the lottery.

4. Why have they made the switch to paper slips this year?

5. What does Mr. Adams discuss with Old man Warner?

6. After locating the holder of the black spot, what do the villagers do?

7. What formality occurs before the lottery is officially open?

8. What do the villagers begin to do at that point?

9. How does Tessie further disrupt the proceedings?

10. Who is the second citizen of the village and what is his function in the lottery?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper on surprise endings to short stories that are humorous instead of macabre. [If you do not know one, read O'Henry's THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF for this assignment.]

Essay Topic 2

Write a few paragraphs about fear of the unknown. Think of a time when you were anxious because you did not know what was going to happen. Then write down what you were afraid of and whether your fears were real or unfounded.

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper on how well written short stories hold the interest of the reader including the fact that they can be read in one sitting.

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