vocabulary
Glance
Take a brief look at
What is the central irony in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
The murder weapon, a frozen leg of lamb, is cooked and eaten by the detectives investigating the crime.
What was Mary Maloney doing before Patrick arrived home?
She was sewing and waiting for him with a calm demeanor.
What is Mary’s initial attitude toward Patrick?
Loving and devoted; she eagerly waits for him to come home.
What was Patrick drinking before his murder?
Whiskey with ice.
Translucent
Allowing light to pass through
What does the title “Lamb to the Slaughter” symbolize?
It represents both Patrick Maloney as an unsuspecting victim and the lamb as a literal weapon used in the crime.
Why does Patrick tell Mary he wants to leave her?
It’s implied he wants a divorce, but the exact reason isn’t stated.
What job does Patrick Maloney have?
He is a police officer.
What does Mary buy at the grocery store?
Potatoes and peas.
Blissful
completely happy and content
How does Roald Dahl build suspense in the story?
Through Mary’s calm and calculated actions after the murder and the detectives’ obliviousness.
How does Mary react immediately after killing Patrick?
She remains calm, places the lamb in the oven, and practices her alibi.
Why do the detectives trust Mary?
Because she is Patrick’s grieving wife and acts convincingly innocent.
What does Patrick say that triggers Mary’s violent reaction?
That he is leaving her, though he asks her not to make a fuss.
Fetch
Go after o bring back
What literary device is used when the detectives eat the murder weapon?
Situational irony.
Why does Mary go to the grocery store?
To create an alibi and appear as if nothing unusual happened.
What motivates Mary to cover up the murder?
Fear of consequences and a desire to protect her unborn child.
What is the first thing Mary does after hitting Patrick?
She places the leg of lamb in the oven.
Slaughter
The act of killing
How does the setting contribute to the story’s tension?
The cozy domestic scene contrasts sharply with the sudden act of violence, emphasizing its shock.
What do the detectives conclude about the murder weapon?
They believe it’s a heavy, blunt object, unaware they are eating it.
Which detective seems the most confident about solving the case?
Jack Noonan.
What is Mary’s demeanor when she greets Sam, the grocer?
Cheerful and normal, as if nothing has happened.