The Lottery and Other Stories Lesson Plan

In “The Witch,” compare the little boy and his mother’s differing reactions to the old man.

Students should note that the little boy is at first dismissive, as he thinks the old man will condescend to him, but then grows fascinated by the old man’s gory and horrifying tale. Conversely, the mother is at first polite and cordial with the old man, encouraging her son to behave respectfully towards another adult—but when the old man talks of murdering his sister, she becomes upset and sees him as a threat. Identify the shifting allegiances and subverted expectations explored in this story. Additionally, you may discuss how the mother’s reaction is reasonable, yet we largely...