Lamb To The Slaughter Pdf Questions And Answers
Introduction
"Lamb to the Slaughter" is a short story by Roald Dahl published in 1953. It tells the story of a pregnant housewife named Mary Maloney who kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb after he announces that he is leaving her. The story has become a classic of the mystery and thriller genre and has been adapted for television and film. In this article, we will go through some of the most frequently asked questions about the story, as well as provide answers and explanations.
What is the theme of "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The theme of "Lamb to the Slaughter" is deception and the unpredictability of human nature. The story explores how appearances can be deceiving and how one's true nature can be different from what they present to the world. Mary Maloney is presented as a loving and devoted wife, but she is capable of murder when pushed to the brink.
Who is the protagonist in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The protagonist of "Lamb to the Slaughter" is Mary Maloney. She is a pregnant housewife who is initially presented as a sympathetic character. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that she is not as innocent as she seems.
What is the conflict in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The conflict in "Lamb to the Slaughter" is between Mary Maloney and her husband Patrick. Patrick announces that he is leaving her, which sets off a chain of events that leads to Mary killing him with a frozen leg of lamb. The conflict is also internal, as Mary struggles with the aftermath of the murder and the guilt and fear that come with it.
What is the climax of "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The climax of "Lamb to the Slaughter" is when Mary Maloney realizes that the detectives investigating her husband's murder have eaten the evidence – the leg of lamb. This is a turning point in the story, as it becomes clear that Mary has successfully covered up her crime and deceived the police.
What is the irony in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
There are several instances of irony in "Lamb to the Slaughter". One example is the title of the story, which is a reference to the leg of lamb that Mary uses to kill her husband. The phrase "lamb to the slaughter" is typically used to describe a situation where someone is unsuspecting and innocent, but in this case, it is the murder weapon. Another example is the detectives eating the evidence, which shows how easily they are fooled and highlights their lack of competence.
What is the symbolism in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
There are a few instances of symbolism in "Lamb to the Slaughter". One example is the frozen leg of lamb, which represents the unexpected and shocking nature of the murder. Another example is the way that Mary Maloney's pregnancy is used to emphasize her vulnerability and the contrast between her outward appearance and her inner thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion
"Lamb to the Slaughter" is a classic short story that explores themes of deception, human nature, and the unpredictability of life. Through its memorable characters, ironic twists, and symbolic imagery, it continues to captivate audiences to this day. We hope that this article has answered some of your questions about the story and provided new insights into its themes and symbolism.
