Embark on a captivating journey with the Lottery CommonLit Answer Key, where hidden truths and profound insights await. This comprehensive guide unlocks the secrets of Shirley Jackson’s chilling masterpiece, delving into the depths of its characters, themes, and haunting atmosphere.
As we explore the intricate tapestry of The Lottery, we’ll uncover the significance of the enigmatic black box, unravel the complexities of Tessie Hutchinson’s character, and examine the insidious role of tradition in this unsettling ritual.
The Lottery Story Analysis
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is a haunting and disturbing tale that explores the dark side of human nature. The story takes place in a small village where the annual lottery ritual is a deeply ingrained tradition. The villagers gather in the town square, and each family draws a slip of paper from a black box.
The family that draws the slip with the black dot is stoned to death by the other villagers.
Significance of the Black Box
The black box is a central symbol in the story. It represents the arbitrary and capricious nature of the lottery. The villagers do not know why they must stone one of their own to death, but they continue to do so because it is tradition.
The black box is a reminder that even the most seemingly harmless traditions can have dark and sinister consequences.
Tessie Hutchinson’s Character
Tessie Hutchinson is the protagonist of the story. She is a middle-aged woman who is married with three children. Tessie is initially excited about the lottery, but her excitement turns to horror when her family draws the black dot. Tessie’s character is a powerful reminder of the dangers of blindly following tradition.
She is a victim of the lottery, but she is also complicit in her own death.
Role of Tradition in the Lottery Ritual
Tradition plays a central role in the lottery ritual. The villagers continue to stone one of their own to death because it is what they have always done. They do not question the lottery’s purpose or morality. The lottery is a reminder of the power of tradition, and how it can be used to justify even the most heinous acts.
Themes in The Lottery: The Lottery Commonlit Answer Key
The Lottery is a short story that explores various complex themes, including scapegoating, symbolism, and conformity.
Scapegoating
Scapegoating is a recurring theme in the story. The villagers of the town resort to sacrificing a member of their community to appease an unknown entity and ensure the well-being of the rest. Tessie Hutchinson, the story’s protagonist, becomes the scapegoat when her family’s name is drawn from the lottery box.
This act highlights the irrational and often cruel nature of scapegoating, where an innocent individual is blamed and punished for the misfortunes of a group.
Symbolism of the Stones
The stones used in the lottery hold significant symbolic value. They represent the harsh and unforgiving nature of the tradition. The villagers’ willingness to participate in the stoning of Tessie demonstrates their adherence to tradition, even if it involves violence and injustice.
The stones also symbolize the weight of guilt and responsibility that the villagers carry after Tessie’s death.
Conformity, The lottery commonlit answer key
Conformity is another prevalent theme in The Lottery. The villagers blindly follow the tradition without questioning its purpose or morality. They fear being ostracized or punished if they deviate from the norm. Tessie’s initial resistance to the lottery is met with hostility and condemnation, highlighting the powerful grip that conformity has on the community.
The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unquestioning obedience and the importance of individual conscience.
Characters in The Lottery
The characters in “The Lottery” are essential in understanding the story’s themes and meanings. Each character plays a specific role in highlighting the dangers of tradition and mob mentality.
Mr. Summers
Mr. Summers is the lottery organizer, a seemingly harmless and respected figure in the village. However, his eagerness to follow tradition and his lack of empathy towards Tessie Hutchinson reveal his complicity in the lottery’s cruelty. His role as the conductor of the lottery symbolizes the way tradition can corrupt even well-intentioned individuals.
Tessie Hutchinson
Tessie Hutchinson is the unfortunate winner of the lottery. She is portrayed as a strong and defiant character who initially questions the lottery’s fairness. However, her eventual acceptance of her fate highlights the power of tradition and the difficulty of standing up against it.
Her character represents the innocent victims who are often sacrificed in the name of preserving customs.
The Villagers
The villagers are a collective character who participate in the lottery with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Some are eager to participate, seeing it as a necessary ritual. Others, like Tessie, have doubts but ultimately conform to the majority. The villagers’ collective actions demonstrate the dangers of mob mentality and the ease with which individuals can be swayed to participate in harmful acts when they are sanctioned by tradition.
Setting and Atmosphere in The Lottery
The story of “The Lottery” takes place in a small, isolated village. The setting is crucial in shaping the characters and the overall atmosphere of the story.
The Village
- The village is described as being “very old” and “quite isolated from the rest of the world.” This isolation has led to the villagers clinging tightly to their traditions, even when they are cruel and barbaric.
- The villagers are described as being “kindly and friendly” on the surface, but they are also capable of great cruelty. This duality is reflected in the lottery itself, which is a seemingly harmless tradition that has a dark and sinister undercurrent.
The Lottery
- The lottery is the central event of the story, and it casts a long shadow over the entire village. The villagers are all aware of the lottery, and they all participate in it, even though they know that it could result in their own deaths.
- The lottery is described as being “a ritual that was intended to ensure a good harvest.” However, it is clear that the lottery has become more than just a tradition. It has become a way for the villagers to express their fears and anxieties about the future.
The Atmosphere
- The atmosphere of the story is one of tension and suspense. The reader is constantly aware of the fact that the lottery is about to take place, and this creates a sense of dread and foreboding.
- The villagers’ behavior is also strange and unsettling. They are all polite and friendly, but there is an undercurrent of fear and suspicion. This creates a sense of unease and makes the reader question the true nature of the villagers.
The setting and atmosphere of “The Lottery” work together to create a powerful and disturbing story. The village is a microcosm of the world, and the lottery is a reflection of the human condition. The story is a warning about the dangers of tradition and the importance of questioning authority.
Key Questions Answered
What is the significance of the black box in the story?
The black box symbolizes the arbitrary and impersonal nature of the lottery, representing the blind acceptance of tradition without question.
How is Tessie Hutchinson characterized?
Tessie is portrayed as a compassionate and caring woman, but her unwavering adherence to tradition ultimately leads to her downfall.
What is the role of conformity in the lottery ritual?
Conformity plays a destructive role, as the villagers blindly follow the lottery tradition without considering its moral implications.
