Suspense
Dramatic Irony
Literary Analysis
Misc.
Vocab
100
The literary technique that keeps readers wondering what will happen next?
What is suspense?
100
This occurs when the audience/reader knows something important that a character does not know.
What is dramatic irony?
100
This is the main setting where most of the story takes place.
What is the Maloney home?
100
Mary originally retrieves the leg of lamb from this home appliance, intending to cook it for dinner
What is the deep freeze (or freezer)?
100
To get or gain something, especially through effort.
What is acquire?
200
Why is the scene immediately after Patrick's death suspenseful?
The reader knows Mary has killed Patrick, but does not know exactly what she will do next or whether she will be caught.
200
What does the reader know about Mary that the detectives do not know?
What is that Mary Killed Patrick?
200
Why is the title Lamb to the Slaughter significant?
Students should connect the lamb to the frozen leg of lamb and/or the idea of someone being unsuspecting or led toward danger.
200
Mary takes this sudden, violent action when Patrick turns his back and announces he is going out
What is swinging the frozen leg of lamb high in the air and bringing it down on the back of his head?
200
Extremely happy, peaceful, and content.
What is blissful?
300
How does the detectives' search for the murder weapon create suspense?
The reader knows where the weapon is, but the detectives do not. The reader waits to see whether they will discover it.
300
Why is it ironic when the detectives discuss the missing murder weapon while they are eating?
The reader knows they are eating the murder weapon, but the detectives do not.
300
This local shopkeeper unwittingly helps Mary establish her crucial alibi when she buys potatoes, peas, and cheesecake from his store.
Who is Sam (the grocer)?
300
To make her upcoming alibi convincing, Mary practices doing these two things in front of her bedroom mirror
What are smiling and speaking in a bright voice?
300
The family welcomed their guests with food, drinks, and warm conversation. Their _____ made everyone feel comfortable.
What is hospitality?
400
Why does Dahl make the detectives come to Mary's house after the murder?
Their investigation creates tension because the reader knows Mary is guilty and worries that the detectives may discover the truth.
400
Mary acts shocked and upset when she "discovers" Patrick's body. Why is this an example of dramatic irony
The reader knows Mary already knows Patrick is dead because she killed him, while the detectives believe her reaction is genuine
400
This physical condition of Mary Maloney—mentioned in the exposition—serves as her primary motivation for covering up her crime
What is being pregnant?
400
Mary tells the grocer she is buying vegetables because Patrick was too tired to engage in this activity?
What is going out to eat?
400
After being betrayed, he acted _____, purposely trying to hurt the person who had wronged him.
What is vindictively?
500
Dahl gives the reader information that makes us worry about whether Mary will be caught. Explain two ways he builds suspense throughout the story.
Accept answers involving the murder weapon, the investigation, Mary's behavior, the detectives' questions, the cover-up, or the possibility that evidence will be discovered.
500
How does Dahl use dramatic irony to make the ending both humorous and suspenseful?
The reader knows the detectives are eating the evidence they are searching for. This creates humor because of the absurd situation while also creating suspense because the detectives are unknowingly destroying the evidence.
500
What did Mary do at the end of the video?
What is Mary giggling.
500
Upon returning home from the grocery store, Mary uses this mental strategy to make sure her shock and grief are completely genuine when she "discovers" the body
What is telling herself that she is just a wife returning to prepare supper for her husband, expecting nothing unusual?
500
Which word is closest in meaning to "annoying or frustrating"
What is exasperating?