Question

The people had done it so many times that they only half listened to the directions; most of them were quiet, wetting their lips, not looking around. Then Mr. Summers raised one hand high and said, "Adams." A man disengaged himself from the crowd and came forward. "Hi, Steve," Mr. Summers said, and Mr. Adams said, "Hi Joe." They grinned at one another humorlessly and nervously. Then Mr. Adams reached into the black box and took out a folded paper. He held it firmly by one corner as he turned and went hastily back to his place in the crowd, where he stood a little apart from his family, not looking down at his hand.

What reinforces the idea that the villagers feel anxiety about the lottery process?

Answer 1

The villagers in 'The Lottery' feel anxiety about the lottery process, as shown by their behavior and interactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The villagers in the story 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson feel anxiety about the lottery process, which is reinforced by their behavior and interactions. The quote, 'most of them were quiet, wetting their lips, not looking around,' suggests that the people are nervous and tense. Additionally, the description of Mr. Adams reaching into the black box nervously and not looking down at his hand further emphasizes the anxiety felt by the villagers.