The Lottery By Shirley Jackson

The word ritual is used four timesto describe the lottery. Why might viewing the lottery as a ritual inhibit the villagers possible objections to it?

Explain why Jackson waits until the end of the story to reveal the conflict the purpose of the lottery. How would the story be less effective if the Conflict were revealed earlier?

At the end of the story, Mrs. Delacroix selects a huge stone and urges Mrs. Dunbar to hurry. Explain why this is ironic or unexpected. What important idea id brought out by this instance of irony?