In paragraphs 2 and 3, what details foreshadow the ending of the ...

[daltonest1984]

In paragraphs 2 and 3, what details foreshadow the ending of the story?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Where do you think The Lottery takes place? What purpose do you suppose the writer has in making this setting appear so familiar and ordinary?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[KKcool]

Answer to Question 1

• Very earlyin paragraphs 2 and 3the narrator mentions the stones that have been gathered in preparation for the days events. Not until much later in the story does the importance of the stones begin to dawn. In addition, the storys many ironies, especially of setting and character, undercut the readers ability to foresee such a violent end. The beauty of the June day is out of keeping with the fact that what takes place on the town green is a ritual murder. The townspeople are perfectly ordinary types, surveying their own children, speaking of planting and rain, tractors and taxes (par. 3). Mr. Summers is in charge because he had time and energy to devote to civic activities (par. 4). Old Man Warner is a stickler for tradition. Neighbors chat amiably. Children play. All are grateful that the proceedings will be over in time for them to enjoy their noon meal.

Answer to Question 2

• Although the town is never named, it seems clearly set in a small New England our town. The familiar and ordinary setting increases the spine-chilling matter-of-factness with which the ritual is carried out. Each June the townspeople assemble to murder one of their neighbors. The discrepancy between ordinary, civilized, modern behavior and the calm acceptance of something as primitive as human sacrifice augments this storys terrible power. As a matter of course, even the small son of the victim is given some stones to throw at his mother. That is perhaps the most horrifying detail of all.

[daltonest1984]

Thanks

[KKcool]

Welcome