Questions: The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

8. Examine the symbolism in the story. Comment on the significance of each of the following:

a) the lottery date

b) the children's attitudes

c) the names and roles of Summers and Graves

d) the purposeful mispronunciation of Delacroix

e) the shabiness of the black box

f) the treatment of the box the rest of the year

g) the substitution of paper for wood chips

h) the change to the ritual chant and salute

i) the way in which the winner is determined

j) the stoning finale

How do these symbols reflect the main theme of the story?