Question

In “The Lottery,” how does the fact that boys build a big pile of stones help create suspense?

The reader wonders why the boys build a big pile of stones.

The reader knows that the pile contains smooth stones of various sizes.

The reader knows that the boys also have stones in their pockets.

The reader understands that the pile contains many stones.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

All of these details contribute to creating suspense in the story because they suggest that the stones will be used for some significant purpose. The reader is left wondering why the stones are being gathered and what they will be used for, building anticipation and tension as the story progresses. The presence of the stones, combined with the secretive and ominous atmosphere of the lottery itself, adds to the sense of foreboding and unease that pervades the narrative.