1. What is the tone of the story up until the very end? Why is this ironic? What do you think this particular tone says about traditions?

2. Think about the various character names in the story. Do any of them seem symbolic and if so how? Reminder, some of the characters include: Old Man Warner, Mr. Summers, Mr. Graves. Also consider the characters Harry, Steve, Joe, Bobby, and Bill vs. Mrs. Delacroix. How is Mrs. Delacroix different?

3. This story was published in 1948. Are there any cultural or historical events that Jackson might be commenting on here? Is this JUST a story about this particular time and place, or is Shirley Jackson trying to say something important about human nature?

4. Can you think of rituals or traditions we participate in or watch/follow today without questioning their value or purpose? If so, why do you think we do this?

5. What value is there to questioning tradition, even if you ultimately ending up siding with it? Why do you think some people are uncomfortable questioning traditions?