Lamb to the Slaughter Plot
Who is Mary Maloney's husband, and what is his occupation?
Patrick Maloney and he is a cop.
Who is the narrator of the story, and who does he want revenge against?
Montresor is the narrator, and he wants revenge against Fortunato.
What motivates Montresor to seek revenge against Fortunato?
Montresor believes Fortunato has insulted him and wants to punish him for those perceived wrongs.
What literary device occurs when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what readers or characters expect? Hint: A type of Irony)
Situational irony.
What common, repeated theme or central topic is explored in both “Lamb to the Slaughter” and “The Cask of Amontillado”?
Revenge, violence, betrayal, and deception are shared topics. Both stories explore how people respond when they believe they have been wronged.
What does Mary use to kill her husband?
Mary uses a lamb leg to kill her husband.
What does Montresor promise Fortunato to convince him to enter the catacombs?
He claims to have purchased a cask of Amontillado, a rare and expensive wine, and asks Fortunato to verify whether it is genuine.
What event causes Mary Maloney to suddenly kill her husband?
Patrick tells Mary something upsetting, strongly suggesting that he intends to leave her. In shock, she strikes him with the frozen leg of lamb.
What type of irony occurs when the detectives in “Lamb to the Slaughter” eat the very murder weapon they are searching for?
Situational irony. The detectives unknowingly destroy the evidence while trying to solve the murder.
How does Montresor's desire for revenge influence his actions throughout “The Cask of Amontillado”?
His desire for revenge causes him to carefully plan Fortunato's murder, manipulate his trust, and lure him into the catacombs.
What does Mary do immediately after killing Patrick to make herself appear innocent?
Mary gets herself ready and goes to the grocery store to gather things for dinner. Mary does this to create an alibi.
Why does Montresor repeatedly mention Luchesi (loo-kay-see) while leading Fortunato through the catacombs?
Montresor knows Fortunato is proud of his knowledge of wine. Mentioning Luchesi makes Fortunato jealous and more determined to prove his expertise.
How are Mary Maloney's and Montresor's motivations for murder different?
Mary reacts impulsively to devastating news from her husband, while Montresor deliberately plans to punish Fortunato for perceived insults.
In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor repeatedly expresses concern for Fortunato's health, even though he intends to kill him. What kind of irony is demonstrated?
Verbal irony. Montresor pretends to care about Fortunato's well-being while secretly planning his death. The situation also creates dramatic irony because readers know Montresor's intentions while Fortunato does not.
How do Mary Maloney and Montresor respond differently to people they believe have wronged them?
Mary reacts suddenly and violently after receiving upsetting news from Patrick, while Montresor deliberately plans and carries out revenge against Fortunato.
Why do the police fail to recognize Mary as a suspect?
Because she appears to be someone who would not be capable of committing murder
How does Montresor use Fortunato's personality against him?
He exploits Fortunato's pride, arrogance, and love of wine to lure him deeper into the catacombs without making him suspicious.
Why might readers feel sympathy for Mary Maloney but have difficulty sympathizing with Montresor?
Mary is presented as a loving wife who experiences a sudden emotional shock, while Montresor appears calculating and cruel. Readers may understand Mary's emotional reaction without excusing her actions.
How does Poe use the setting of the catacombs to create suspense in “The Cask of Amontillado”?
The dark, underground passages, bones, dampness, and isolation create an ominous atmosphere. As Fortunato travels deeper into the catacombs, readers anticipate that something terrible will happen.
What do the endings of both stories suggest about the consequences of violence or revenge?
Both characters apparently escape legal punishment, but their endings suggest different ideas. Mary avoids detection through deception, while Montresor reveals that he has kept the murder secret for fifty years. The stories raise questions about justice, guilt, and whether escaping punishment means escaping consequences.
How does Mary's behavior after the murder reveal a different side of her personality?
Mary initially appears gentle, loving, and devoted. However, after killing Patrick, she becomes calculating, deceptive, and resourceful. She manipulates the investigation to protect herself.
How does the ending reveal that Montresor's revenge was carefully planned rather than impulsive?
Montresor has prepared the chains, stones, and mortar needed to trap Fortunato behind a wall. He also chooses a time when his servants are absent, showing premeditation.
Can either Mary Maloney or Montresor justify committing murder? Explain your reasoning using details from both stories.
Answers may vary. A strong response recognizes that Mary's emotional distress and Montresor's feelings of insult do not justify murder. Students should distinguish between understanding someone's motivation and excusing their actions.
How do Dahl and Poe use characterization to make Mary Maloney and Montresor appear different from what other characters believe them to be?
Dahl initially presents Mary as a gentle, devoted wife, but her actions reveal that she is capable of deception and calculated behavior. Poe presents Montresor as friendly and concerned toward Fortunato, but readers recognize that he is secretly manipulative and murderous. Both authors use the contrast between appearance and reality to develop their characters.
What message about revenge or violence can readers learn from BOTH stories? Support your answer with one specific example from each story.
Sample answer: Both stories suggest that strong emotions and a desire to punish others can lead to destructive choices. Mary kills Patrick after receiving devastating news, while Montresor murders Fortunato because of perceived insults. Although their motivations differ, both characters respond to conflict with violence and deception. Accept other defensible themes supported by evidence.