Theme
What is one central theme of "Lamb to the Slaughter" that deals with how appearances can be misleading?
Appearances vs. reality / deception.
Define the word "alibi" as used in crime or detective contexts.
Alibi: an explanation of where someone was when a crime occurred, used to show they could not have committed it.
Who is the wife and main character who commits the crime?
Mary Maloney
In what general place (room or home area) does the murder occur?
The murder occurs in Mary and Patrick’s home, specifically in the living room or sitting room (where Mary was waiting and where the incident happens).
Which theme explains the story’s commentary on justice being subjective or unpredictable?
Justice is subjective / unpredictability of justice.
What does the phrase "a stunned silence" mean, and how does it apply to a scene in the story?
"A stunned silence" means a sudden, shocked quiet; applies when characters react to shocking news or events in the story.
Who is Mary’s husband whose announcement sets the plot in motion?
Patrick Maloney
During what time of day does most of the story take place?
The story takes place in the evening (after Patrick returns from work).
How does the story explore the idea of betrayal? Give one example from the plot.
Betrayal is shown when Patrick tells Mary he is leaving her (or reveals he’s leaving), which betrays their marriage; Mary’s killing him is a reaction to that betrayal.
Explain the meaning of "methodical" and give an example of a methodical action by a character in the story.
Methodical: done in an orderly, deliberate way. Example: Mary methodically goes to the grocer to build an alibi or composes herself and arranges the scene.
Name two police officers or detectives in the story (or describe one detective’s role) and explain how they contribute to the plot.
Examples: Detective/sergeant characters who investigate the scene and later eat the lamb. They advance the plot by searching the home and accepting Mary’s hospitality.
How does the domestic setting (home environment) contrast with the crime that takes place there? Explain briefly.
The home is warm, cozy, and domestic, which contrasts with the violent act—making the crime more shocking.
Explain how dark humor (the use of irony in a grim situation) is used to support a theme in the story.
Example: The detectives joke about the missing leg of lamb (the murder weapon) while it’s being consumed; this dark humor highlights irony and undermines the seriousness of formal justice.
Define "suspicion" and describe one moment when characters feel suspicion in the story.
Suspicion: a feeling that someone may be guilty or not telling the truth. Example: detectives briefly consider who could be responsible; they inspect the house.
Describe Mary Maloney’s personality at the beginning of the story and how it changes by the end. Give one supporting detail from each part.
Beginning: affectionate, compliant, domestic (waiting for husband, making him a drink). End: calm, calculating, deceptive (stages the scene, gives detectives the leg of lamb). Supporting details: early domestic routines; later composed behavior after the crime.
Why is the timing (pregnant woman waiting for husband, routine domestic habits) important to the tension in the story? Give one reason.
The domestic routine (Mary preparing for Patrick, being pregnant and attentive) increases shock and tension because the reader expects safety and predictability in that setting.
Discuss how the story treats the theme of power and control, especially in the relationship between Mary and Patrick. Provide two specific moments from the text that support your answer.
Power/control: Patrick’s announcement takes power from Mary; her later actions (killing him, manipulating the scene, hosting officers) show her reclaiming control. Moments: Patrick’s announcement; Mary feeding the leg of lamb to the detectives.
What does "contrive" mean? Describe a moment in the story where a character contrives (plans or arranges) something to achieve a goal.
Contrive: to plan or invent cleverly or deceitfully. Example: Mary contrives an alibi by going to the store and returning with the leg of lamb and then offering it to the investigators.
How do the secondary characters (such as the grocer, neighbors, or officers) help to create a believable world and influence the readers’ perception of Mary? Provide two examples.
Secondary characters provide social norms and expectations (e.g., they don’t suspect Mary, accept her hospitality). Examples: the grocer or neighbors who assume normalcy; the policemen who joke and eat the evidence, showing trust and preventing suspicion.
Explain how the author uses ordinary details of the setting to create irony in the story. Provide two specific details from the text and explain their ironic effect.
Ordinary details (e.g., the frozen leg of lamb meant for dinner, the comfortable chair, Mary’s domestic chores) become ironic when the leg of lamb turns into the murder weapon and is then eaten by the police, subverting expectations.