Lamb To The Slaughter Questions And Answers Pdf
“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a short story written by Roald Dahl. It was first published in 1953 and became famous for its unexpected twist ending. The story revolves around Mary Maloney, a devoted and expectant wife who suddenly becomes a widow when her husband is killed. The story raises many questions about human nature and the nature of crime.
If you are studying this story, you might have a lot of questions about it. In this article, we will try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about “Lamb to the Slaughter” and provide you with a PDF version of the story for your convenience.
What Is “Lamb to the Slaughter” About?
“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a story about Mary Maloney, who is six months pregnant and devoted to her husband, Patrick Maloney. One evening, Patrick comes home from work and tells Mary that he is leaving her. Mary is devastated and in shock. She goes to the kitchen to get a leg of lamb for dinner.
While Patrick is sitting in his chair, Mary hits him on the back of the head with the frozen leg of lamb. Patrick dies instantly. Mary is stunned and doesn’t know what to do. She decides to cover up the crime by cooking the lamb and feeding it to the police officers who come to investigate Patrick’s murder.
What Is the Theme of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
The theme of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is the unpredictability of human nature. The story shows how a seemingly normal person like Mary Maloney can commit a violent crime in a moment of extreme emotion. The story also raises questions about the nature of crime and justice. Mary is never caught, and justice is not served.
What Is the Tone of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
The tone of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is darkly humorous. Dahl uses irony and satire to create a sense of black comedy. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end.
What Is the Point of View of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
The point of view of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is third-person limited. The story is told from Mary Maloney’s perspective, but the reader only knows what Mary knows. This creates a sense of tension and suspense as the reader wonders what Mary will do next.
What Is the Mood of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
The mood of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is suspenseful and tense. The story builds gradually to the moment when Mary kills Patrick, and then the tension continues as Mary tries to cover up the crime. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot keep the reader on edge until the very end.
What Is the Symbolism in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
The leg of lamb in “Lamb to the Slaughter” is a symbol of the murder weapon and Mary’s innocence. The lamb is also a symbol of sacrifice, which is ironic because Mary sacrifices her own husband to protect herself.
What Is the Conflict in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
The conflict in “Lamb to the Slaughter” is between Mary and Patrick. Patrick wants to leave Mary, and Mary does not want him to leave. This conflict leads to the murder of Patrick and the cover-up of the crime.
Where Can I Find a PDF of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
You can find a PDF version of “Lamb to the Slaughter” at the following link: https://www.sdfo.org/gj/study_guides/Lamb_to_the_Slaughter.pdf
Conclusion
“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a classic short story that raises many questions about human nature, crime, and justice. The story’s darkly humorous tone and unexpected twists and turns make it a memorable read. By answering some of the most commonly asked questions about the story and providing a PDF version for your convenience, we hope to help you better understand this literary classic.
