Plot
What is the main plot of "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
A pregnant housewife kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb and tries to cover it up.
Who is the protagonist in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
Mary Maloney
When is "Lamb to the Slaughter" set?
1950s
What is an example of foreshadowing in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The fact that Patrick drains his drink in one gulp.
Who wrote "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
Roald Dahl
What is the motive behind the main character's crime in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
Her husband announces he's leaving her.
Who is the victim in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
Patrick Maloney
Where is the story set?
An unnamed city, in an ordinary suburban home
What is an example of irony in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The police officers eating the evidence, which they think is just a tasty leg of lamb, while the protagonist walks free / The police officers eating the murder weapon and saying it must be right under their noses.
When was "Lamb to the Slaughter" first published?
1953
What is the twist ending in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The police officers investigating the murder eat the evidence (the leg of lamb) without realizing it.
Who is the shopkeeper?
Sam
What is the atmosphere of the story like at the beginning?
Domestic, warm and loving
What is the use of dark humour in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The absurdity of the crime and the twist ending.
How did the author of "Lamb to the Slaughter" get inspiration for the story?
Dahl's wife told him the idea after a disagreement with him.
What is the tone of "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
Darkly humorous
What is the name of the protagonist's husband?
Patrick Maloney
What creates the cozy atmosphere?
Closed curtains, 2 lamps dimly lit, 2 drinks, sewing, pregnancy
What is the use of dramatic irony in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The reader knowing the truth about the crime, while the police officers remain ignorant.
What other works by the author are famous?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, etc.
What is the main theme of "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The power of perception (mistaken identity as wouldn't assume a woman could have committed the murder) and the danger of jumping to conclusions.
What is the occupation of the protagonist's husband?
Police detective
How does the setting contribute to the mood and atmosphere of the story?
The cozy and familiar setting contributes to the dark humor and the shock of the crime.
Give an example of metaphor in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The title "Lamb to the Slaughter" itself, which refers to the Biblical story of Isaac being offered as a sacrifice and foreshadows the violence to come/ Mary's life is metaphorically shattered
What is the author's legacy and contribution to literature?
Dahl is known for his darkly humorous and macabre short stories, and is considered one of the greatest children's authors of the 20th century.