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SAT English Practice Question

The story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson uses a tone of normalcy and routine to highlight the horror of the story's central event. The villagers are described as going about their everyday activities in a matter-of-fact way, which makes the sudden violence all the more shocking. What is the most likely reason that Jackson uses this tone?

  1. A.make the reader question the morality of the villagers.
  2. B.emphasize the shocking nature of the lottery.
  3. C.create a sense of suspense and anticipation.
  4. D.contrast the villagers' peaceful lives with the violence of the lottery.

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