The Lottery

1) Describe the setting in "The Lottery" (Remember, the best answers will take into account both time and place... and be written in full sentences).

"The Lottery" takes place in a small village of about 300 people, in which everyone seems to know everyone. From the information provided, I believe it takes place approximately in the 1800's to possible the very early 1900's. For example the story is very old fashion, now a days women are more equal to men and most families are broken.

2) What do you expect "The Lottery" to be about, based upon the setting? It may be particularly helpful to consider the opening paragraph(s).

I expected "The Lottery" to be about a small, close village coming together once a year to celebrate and raffle of something of a value or honor. With the square dancing, friendly chitter chatter, and joking around it seems to be a happy festive time. According to the story so far most would be unable to for shadow the ending.

3) Does the ending surprise you? Look at the story again and list any clues you find that hint that the story will end the way it does.

The ending to the short reading "The Lottery" is very surprising, and very upsetting. The author gives of the impression of a small tight village having a yearly celebration. When in the end it turned out to be a lottery of ones death. A few clues listed would be for example the young children collected stones and piled them in the corner.Another clue would be when someone muttered "I hope it's not Nancy". Now knowing the ending, there are a few clues here and there, however the clues were not descriptive enough to draw the reader to the conclusion before they actually read the ending.

4) Consider the story as a whole. How important is the story's setting in terms of the surprise ending? Why is it important?

Looking at the story as a whole, you realize just how important the setting is in terms of the "surprise ending". For example if "The Lottery" took place in modern urban area the reading would not make as much sense, nor have the same effects, ands feelings the author tried to portray. Settings in readings such as "The Lottery", are an important factor in tieing everything together. The aged setting makes youth and even mid-aged adults wonder if this could have actually happened.