illustrated tablesetting with a plate containing a large lamb-leg roast resting on a puddle of blood

Lamb to the Slaughter

by Roald Dahl

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Lamb to the Slaughter Questions on Murder of Patrick Maloney

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Lamb to the Slaughter

In "Lamb to the Slaughter," Roald Dahl creates and maintains suspense through unexpected plot twists, such as Mary Maloney's sudden murder of her husband and the subsequent cover-up. The tension is...

8 educator answers

Lamb to the Slaughter

A newspaper report on Patrick's death in "Lamb to the Slaughter" would emphasize his role as a local policeman found dead in his home, with authorities suspecting foul play. It would portray Mary...

4 educator answers

Lamb to the Slaughter

Mary kills Patrick with a leg of lamb because she has been hurt by Patrick's betrayal and succumbs to the instinctive urge to lash out. As the frozen leg of lamb just happens to be the nearest object...

2 educator answers

Lamb to the Slaughter

The murder in "Lamb to the Slaughter" is not "perfect" as it was impulsive, not premeditated, and driven by Mary’s emotional reaction to her husband's news. Although she cleverly disposes of the...

1 educator answer

Lamb to the Slaughter

Mary Maloney's diary entry might reflect her lack of guilt about her husband's murder, as suggested by her calm disposal of the evidence and her giggling at the end. She may feel justified in her...

1 educator answer

Lamb to the Slaughter

Mary Maloney's decision to make supper in "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl serves as a calculated move to establish an alibi. By acting normally and preparing a meal, she aims to cover up her...

3 educator answers

Lamb to the Slaughter

The most important event in "Lamb to the Slaughter" is when Mary Maloney impulsively kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb. This act marks a dramatic shift in her character from a loving wife...

1 educator answer

Lamb to the Slaughter

Mr. Maloney's murder in "Lamb to the Slaughter" was not premeditated. Mary acted in a daze, unconsciously retrieving the leg of lamb, suggesting a lack of deliberate intent. The narrative indicates...

1 educator answer

Lamb to the Slaughter

Exam questions on "Lamb to the Slaughter" could explore themes of irony and character development. Specific questions might include: Is Mary's shift in behavior believable? Why might Patrick want a...

4 educator answers