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How do the villagers behave as they gather in the square? What kind of lottery does their manner lead readers to expect?

The villagers behave normally, and the mood among them is friendly as they gather in the square. The children assemble first and begin playing as is expected of children. They engage in talk about school and their teachers. The boys collect stones while the girls talk amongst themselves. The men arrive at the square after their children and engage in talk about farming, farming equipment, and taxes. They also share subtle jokes while waiting for the lottery to begin. The women arrive last, and when they meet, they engage in gossip.


From how the villagers assemble, one would expect it is a normal lottery with prizes for the winning individual. However, as the story progresses, it emerges that the lottery is actually a bizarre ritual of human sacrifice. After the lottery, the singled out individual is stoned to death by the villagers.

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