book review lamb to the slaughter

A Summary and Analysis of Roald Dahl’s ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ is a 1953 short story by Roald Dahl (1916-90), which was initially rejected for publication but was later adapted for television on several occasions. Included in Dahl’s collections Someone Like You (1953) and Tales of the Unexpected (1979), the story is about a wife who murders her unfaithful husband with a frozen leg of lamb before hatching a plan to ensure she isn’t caught for her crime.

Before we offer an analysis of ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’, it might be worth recapping the plot of Dahl’s story.

Plot summary

Mary Maloney is waiting at home for her husband, Patrick, to get home from work. He is a detective. She is six months pregnant with their child. When he gets home, she pours them both a drink and notices that Patrick has drained his glass more swiftly than he usually does. He pours himself another whisky before revealing to his wife that he plans to leave her.

Mary is stunned by this revelation, and initially wants to act as though it hasn’t happened. She decides to go and get some food from the freezer that she can cook for their dinner. She finds a leg of lamb in the freezer, and when her husband announces he’s going out, she strikes him on the back of the head with the lamb leg, killing him.

Immediately she starts to think about how to cover her tracks so she won’t be caught. She puts the meat in the oven to cook. After rehearsing what she will say to the nearby grocer, she goes out to his shop and buys some potatoes and peas to go with the roast lamb. When talking to the grocer, Sam, she acts as though everything is all right and her husband is waiting for her back home.

When she returns home, she talks herself into believing her husband is still alive, so she is genuinely shocked when she sees his body lying on the floor. She phones the police to report that he has been murdered, and a group of detectives – who knew Patrick from work – show up to investigate his death.

The detectives make a thorough search of the house, believing that Patrick was murdered by a heavy metal implement. So they search for something that could have been used as the murder weapon. They remain in the house for so long that Mary offers them all a drink. They reluctantly accept and, when she is reminded of the lamb cooking in the oven, she suggests that they eat it since they must be hungry.

Again, they agree, and as they sit around the table eating the leg of lamb which killed their former colleague, they remain oblivious to the fact that they are, in fact, destroying the evidence themselves. In the next room, Mary giggles.

Dahl’s story was suggested by his friend Ian Fleming, who created James Bond. Dahl adapted Fleming’s Bond novel You Only Live Twice for the big screen; he also co-wrote the screenplay for the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , which was also based on a Fleming novel. And it was Fleming who suggested the idea for ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’, telling his friend that he should write a story about a woman who murders her wife with a leg of mutton (not lamb) which she then serves to the investigating officers.

‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ can be categorised as a horror story (although given the lack of any supernatural element, ‘thriller’ is perhaps a more apposite label), although we should also pay attention to the darkly humorous elements of the tale: features in keeping with Dahl’s writing as a whole.

The story reflects – but then subverts – a common trope of the early 1950s: namely, the wife as the faithful homemaker while the husband goes out to work. At the beginning of ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’, Mary Maloney cannot do enough for her husband, waiting patiently and eagerly for him to arrive home, fetching his drink, asking him about his day.

But when the stability of her world crumbles in a few minutes, when Patrick tells her that he is leaving her (although it isn’t mentioned, we assume he has met someone else), she changes very quickly – and easily – from dutiful wife to cold-blooded murderer.

In other words, once the role she has settled into over the years, that of being ‘Mrs Patrick Maloney’, is taken away from her, she finds herself able to switch in and out of that role with ease. After a brief rehearsal at home, she is able to convince the grocer that she is still the dutiful wife once again: an act she performs again for the policemen.

Dahl makes it clear that she doesn’t murder her husband out of fear of being penniless without the money from him, the breadwinner of the family: he makes it clear he will continue to provide for her financially. Instead, her motive is more complex. Does she kill him out of jealousy or spite, or resentment at having conceived the child of a man who doesn’t even intend to hang around long enough to see it born?

Dahl leaves these questions open for us to discuss. Note how, in the moments preceding that decisive moment when she strikes her husband with the leg of lamb, her movements become automatic, as if she is being guided by some other force. Her unconscious? The concentrated righteous anger of ‘a woman scorned’? Dahl tells us that she ‘simply’ walked up to her husband and struck him with the lamb.

It is as if she is performing some perfunctory task, almost as though the mundane and automatic business of housework has been extrapolated to incorporate the business of murder. She doesn’t appear to lash out in a moment of fury, cold or otherwise. It is almost as if she feels she has no other choice.

There is obviously a grim irony in the method she uses to dispatch her husband. The roast joint cooking in the oven is the symbol par excellence of the good 1950s housewife, feeding her husband after a long day at work. There is also symbolism in the fact that this food, meant to be an offering from wife to husband, is used instead to kill the husband, with the deadly weapon being given instead to a host of other men (who, as policemen, are also stand-ins for the dead husband in some respects).

In the last analysis, then, ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ is a short story about how easily the meek and loving housewife can transform into a cold and calculating killer. It is Mary’s sudden change that makes the story so unsettling, and the lack of remorse she shows for her crime; but her choice of murder weapon and method of disposing of the evidence make this story as much black comedy as out-and-out horror tale.

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Awards & Accolades

Our Verdict

Lamb to the Slaughter

by Karen Ann Hopkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 14, 2014

A well-crafted tale of murder begotten by the collision of two incompatible worlds.

A murder mystery that exposes the secretive world of an Amish community.

Serenity Adams has only been the sheriff of Blood Rock for a month when an Amish girl’s dead body is discovered. Hardened by a turn as a cop in the big city, Serenity suspects foul play despite some initial evidence that the girl could be the victim of a hunting accident. Serenity gradually learns that Naomi, the 18-year-old victim, was embroiled in two steamy romances at the same time, one with the Amish boy to whom she was engaged, another with an outsider who promised her the life of freedom she’d never known. The story is told from shifting perspectives: In flashbacks, both Serenity and Naomi get turns relating their tales, as does Daniel, the ruggedly handsome contractor who, having once been Amish, is helpful to Serenity’s investigation. Serenity finds herself constantly stymied by the insular Amish community, inhospitable to outsiders even if they carry the authority of law. Debut author Hopkins sensitively dissects that community’s inner workings, highlighting its struggle to resist influence from without, sometimes resorting to measures so draconian as to drive away its own members. The community’s impenetrability mirrors Serenity’s own emotional defensiveness, as evidenced by the way she tries to tame her gathering feelings for Daniel: “I felt a sudden wave of nervousness. I’d already been dealing with a fit of embarrassing shyness ever since Daniel had picked me up in his hard bodied (sic) Jeep and told me how nice I looked. What did he mean?” The narrative marches on to a steady beat, crescendoing in a violent conclusion made only slightly less exciting by the heavy-handed foreshadowing of the killer’s identity. Nevertheless, the suspense can be gripping and the insight into Amish life, fascinating.

Pub Date: March 14, 2014

Page Count: 293

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2015

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

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BOOK REVIEW

by Karen Ann Hopkins

New York Times Bestseller

by Max Brooks ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

A tasty, if not always tasteful, tale of supernatural mayhem that fans of King and Crichton alike will enjoy.

Are we not men? We are—well, ask Bigfoot, as Brooks does in this delightful yarn, following on his bestseller World War Z (2006).

A zombie apocalypse is one thing. A volcanic eruption is quite another, for, as the journalist who does a framing voice-over narration for Brooks’ latest puts it, when Mount Rainier popped its cork, “it was the psychological aspect, the hyperbole-fueled hysteria that had ended up killing the most people.” Maybe, but the sasquatches whom the volcano displaced contributed to the statistics, too, if only out of self-defense. Brooks places the epicenter of the Bigfoot war in a high-tech hideaway populated by the kind of people you might find in a Jurassic Park franchise: the schmo who doesn’t know how to do much of anything but tries anyway, the well-intentioned bleeding heart, the know-it-all intellectual who turns out to know the wrong things, the immigrant with a tough backstory and an instinct for survival. Indeed, the novel does double duty as a survival manual, packed full of good advice—for instance, try not to get wounded, for “injury turns you from a giver to a taker. Taking up our resources, our time to care for you.” Brooks presents a case for making room for Bigfoot in the world while peppering his narrative with timely social criticism about bad behavior on the human side of the conflict: The explosion of Rainier might have been better forecast had the president not slashed the budget of the U.S. Geological Survey, leading to “immediate suspension of the National Volcano Early Warning System,” and there’s always someone around looking to monetize the natural disaster and the sasquatch-y onslaught that follows. Brooks is a pro at building suspense even if it plays out in some rather spectacularly yucky episodes, one involving a short spear that takes its name from “the sucking sound of pulling it out of the dead man’s heart and lungs.” Grossness aside, it puts you right there on the scene.

Pub Date: June 16, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-9848-2678-7

Page Count: 304

Publisher: Del Rey/Ballantine

Review Posted Online: Feb. 9, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2020

GENERAL SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | GENERAL THRILLER & SUSPENSE | SCIENCE FICTION

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IndieBound Bestseller

IT ENDS WITH US

by Colleen Hoover ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 2, 2016

Packed with riveting drama and painful truths, this book powerfully illustrates the devastation of abuse—and the strength of...

Hoover’s ( November 9 , 2015, etc.) latest tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence with romantic tenderness and emotional heft.

At first glance, the couple is edgy but cute: Lily Bloom runs a flower shop for people who hate flowers; Ryle Kincaid is a surgeon who says he never wants to get married or have kids. They meet on a rooftop in Boston on the night Ryle loses a patient and Lily attends her abusive father’s funeral. The provocative opening takes a dark turn when Lily receives a warning about Ryle’s intentions from his sister, who becomes Lily’s employee and close friend. Lily swears she’ll never end up in another abusive home, but when Ryle starts to show all the same warning signs that her mother ignored, Lily learns just how hard it is to say goodbye. When Ryle is not in the throes of a jealous rage, his redeeming qualities return, and Lily can justify his behavior: “I think we needed what happened on the stairwell to happen so that I would know his past and we’d be able to work on it together,” she tells herself. Lily marries Ryle hoping the good will outweigh the bad, and the mother-daughter dynamics evolve beautifully as Lily reflects on her childhood with fresh eyes. Diary entries fancifully addressed to TV host Ellen DeGeneres serve as flashbacks to Lily’s teenage years, when she met her first love, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy she found squatting in a neighbor’s house. When Atlas turns up in Boston, now a successful chef, he begs Lily to leave Ryle. Despite the better option right in front of her, an unexpected complication forces Lily to cut ties with Atlas, confront Ryle, and try to end the cycle of abuse before it’s too late. The relationships are portrayed with compassion and honesty, and the author’s note at the end that explains Hoover’s personal connection to the subject matter is a must-read.

Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5011-1036-8

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: May 30, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016

GENERAL ROMANCE | ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

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Lamb to the Slaughter

Ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Roald Dahl's Lamb to the Slaughter . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Lamb to the Slaughter: Introduction

Lamb to the slaughter: plot summary, lamb to the slaughter: detailed summary & analysis, lamb to the slaughter: themes, lamb to the slaughter: quotes, lamb to the slaughter: characters, lamb to the slaughter: symbols, lamb to the slaughter: theme wheel, brief biography of roald dahl.

Historical Context of Lamb to the Slaughter

Other books related to lamb to the slaughter.

• Full Title: Lamb to the Slaughter
• When Published: 1953
• Literary Period: Modernism
• Genre: Short story; black comedy
• Setting: Late 1940s or 1950s, in the Maloney house and a nearby grocery store
• Climax: Mary kills her husband
• Antagonist: Patrick Maloney
• Point of View: Third-person limited

Extra Credit for Lamb to the Slaughter

Inspiration. “Lamb to the Slaughter” was supposedly written by Dahl after his friend Ian Fleming (spy novelist and former intelligence officer) suggested he write a story about a woman who murders her husband with frozen mutton that she serves to the detectives investigating her husband’s case.

Small screen version. The story was adapted into a television script written by Dahl and presented by Alfred Hitchcock. It aired in 1958, five years after the story was originally published.

Lamb To The Slaughter Summary Book Review

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Summary of “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl

Overview of “lamb to the slaughter” by roald dahl.

Roald Dahl’s short story "Lamb to the Slaughter" is a classic tale that takes readers on a thrilling journey of deception, betrayal, and unexpected twists. Set in the 1950s, the story revolves around Mary Maloney, a devoted housewife, who receives shocking news from her husband, Patrick Maloney.

The story opens with a seemingly normal evening in the Maloney household, where Mary eagerly waits for her husband to return home from work. However, the ambiance suddenly shifts when Patrick reveals his intention to leave Mary, dropping a bombshell that shatters her world.

In a fit of rage and desperation, Mary picks up a leg of lamb and strikes Patrick on the head, killing him instantly. What follows is a series of calculated actions by Mary to conceal the crime and evade suspicion, showcasing her calmness under pressure and unexpected resourcefulness.

As the investigation into Patrick’s murder unfolds, the police detectives assigned to the case are baffled by the lack of evidence and the seemingly composed demeanor of Mary. The story takes a darkly humorous turn as Mary resorts to a cunning plan involving the leg of lamb used as a murder weapon, ultimately leading to a clever twist in the plot.

Roald Dahl masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending elements of crime, suspense, and dark humor seamlessly. The unexpected turn of events and the moral ambiguity surrounding Mary’s character make "Lamb to the Slaughter" a captivating read that lingers in the minds of audiences long after the final page.

Character analysis in “Lamb to the Slaughter”

In Roald Dahl’s short story "Lamb to the Slaughter," the characters play a crucial role in driving the narrative forward. The protagonist, Mary Maloney, initially appears as a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Patrick Maloney. Mary is depicted as a traditional housewife, dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming home for her husband. However, as the story unfolds, we see a darker side to Mary’s character as she commits a shocking crime of passion.

Patrick Maloney, Mary’s husband, is portrayed as a police detective who delivers unexpected news to his wife, setting off a chain of events that lead to the climax of the story. Patrick’s character is pivotal in triggering Mary’s transformation from a submissive wife to a cunning and ruthless murderer.

The supporting characters in "Lamb to the Slaughter" also play significant roles in shaping the narrative. The fellow police officers who investigate Patrick’s murder provide a sense of tension and suspense as they unknowingly eat the leg of lamb used as the murder weapon. Their obliviousness adds a layer of dark humor to the story, highlighting Dahl’s talent for blending macabre elements with comedic undertones.

The characters in "Lamb to the Slaughter" are multi-dimensional and contribute to the story’s overall impact. Mary Maloney’s transformation from a dutiful wife to a calculated killer, along with Patrick Maloney’s unforeseen fate, showcases Dahl’s skill in creating complex and engaging characters that resonate with readers long after the story ends.

Themes of betrayal and revenge in the book

Exploring themes of betrayal and revenge in “lamb to the slaughter”.

One of the central themes in Roald Dahl’s short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” is betrayal, which is vividly portrayed through the actions of the main character, Mary Maloney. Mary’s husband, Patrick Maloney, decides to leave her, blindsiding her with the news of his desire for a divorce. This sudden act of betrayal sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to a shocking act of revenge by Mary. The theme of betrayal is further highlighted by the fact that Mary initially appears to be a devoted and caring wife, only to reveal a darker side of herself after experiencing her husband’s betrayal.

As the story unfolds, the theme of revenge also comes to the forefront. Mary’s response to her husband’s betrayal is to take matters into her own hands, quite literally, by using a leg of lamb as a weapon to murder Patrick. This act of revenge is not premeditated but rather a spontaneous and impulsive reaction to the betrayal she experiences. The theme of revenge underscores the lengths to which a person can go when pushed to their limits, as well as the unexpected ways in which justice or retribution can be sought.

Furthermore, the theme of betrayal and revenge in “Lamb to the Slaughter” serves to emphasize the unpredictable and darker aspects of human nature. Through Mary’s actions, Dahl explores the idea that intense emotions such as betrayal and the desire for vengeance can lead individuals to behave in ways that are irrational and extreme. The story challenges traditional notions of morality and ethics, inviting readers to consider the complexities of human behavior when faced with betrayal and the pursuit of justice.

The themes of betrayal and revenge in “Lamb to the Slaughter” offer a nuanced exploration of human emotions and actions in response to acts of disloyalty and injustice. Roald Dahl masterfully weaves these themes into a gripping narrative that leaves readers questioning the boundaries of right and wrong, innocence and guilt, and the consequences of betrayal.

Writing style and narrative techniques in Roald Dahl’s work

Exploring roald dahl’s unique writing style and narrative techniques.

When delving into Roald Dahl’s short story "Lamb to the Slaughter," one cannot help but notice the author’s distinctive writing style and narrative techniques that captivate readers of all ages. Dahl, known for his dark humor and unexpected plot twists, masterfully weaves a tale that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Dahl’s writing style is characterized by its simple yet engaging language. He has a knack for using concise sentences that pack a punch, drawing readers into the story right away. In "Lamb to the Slaughter," this style is evident as Dahl sets the stage for the shocking events that unfold after Mary Maloney’s husband delivers unexpected news.

Furthermore, Dahl’s narrative techniques are unmatched in their ability to create suspense and intrigue. One of the most striking techniques he employs is the element of surprise. Just when the reader thinks they have the story figured out, Dahl introduces a twist that leaves them reeling. This is particularly evident in "Lamb to the Slaughter" when Mary decides to use a leg of lamb as a weapon, turning the tables on her husband in a shocking act of self-preservation.

Additionally, Dahl is a master of pacing, gradually building tension throughout the story until it reaches a crescendo. The subtle clues he drops along the way keep the reader guessing and engaged, eager to see how the story will unfold. In "Lamb to the Slaughter," this technique is expertly executed as Mary’s calm demeanor and calculated actions slowly reveal her cunning plan.

Roald Dahl’s writing style and narrative techniques in "Lamb to the Slaughter" showcase his unparalleled talent as a storyteller. His ability to blend dark humor, suspense, and unexpected twists creates a truly memorable reading experience that has solidified his place as a literary icon.

Impact and reception of “Lamb to the Slaughter” in the literary world

Roald Dahl’s short story "Lamb to the Slaughter" has left a lasting impact on the literary world since its publication in 1953. The story, known for its dark humor and unexpected twists, has captured the imagination of readers and critics alike, solidifying Dahl’s reputation as a master storyteller.

One of the key reasons for the story’s enduring popularity is its unique blend of suspense and irony. Dahl masterfully crafts a tale that starts innocently enough but quickly descends into a gripping narrative full of tension and deceit. The story’s shocking climax, where the protagonist uses a leg of lamb as a murder weapon, has been hailed as a stroke of genius and has cemented "Lamb to the Slaughter" as a classic in the mystery genre.

Critics have praised Dahl’s ability to subvert readers’ expectations and his skillful manipulation of plot and pacing. The story’s theme of betrayal and revenge resonates with audiences across generations, adding to its timeless appeal. Dahl’s writing style, characterized by its concise yet evocative prose, has been studied and admired by aspiring writers seeking to emulate his knack for storytelling.

"Lamb to the Slaughter" has also sparked debate and analysis in literary circles, with scholars dissecting its themes of betrayal, justice, and the consequences of deceit. The story’s exploration of the complexities of human nature and the lengths to which individuals will go when pushed to their limits have made it a subject of fascination for literary critics and academics.

Despite the story’s macabre subject matter, "Lamb to the Slaughter" has been widely embraced by readers for its dark humor and witty dialogue. The story’s unexpected twists and turns have kept readers on the edge of their seats for decades, making it a favorite among fans of mystery and suspense.

In conclusion, "Lamb to the Slaughter" continues to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative, sharp writing, and thought-provoking themes. Roald Dahl’s masterful storytelling has ensured that the story remains a classic in the literary world, reaffirming his legacy as one of the most beloved and enduring authors of the 20th century.

Key Takeaway: "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl is a thrilling short story that captivates readers with its unexpected twists and dark humor. The story revolves around Mary Maloney, a devoted housewife who takes a drastic turn after her husband reveals shocking news. As we delve into a summary of the plot, Mary’s character undergoes a fascinating transformation from a meek and caring wife to a cunning and calculated individual who seeks revenge in a most unconventional way. Dahl’s character analysis in "Lamb to the Slaughter" delves into Mary’s psyche, portraying her as a complex figure driven by betrayal and a desire for retribution. The themes of betrayal and revenge are skillfully interwoven throughout the narrative, highlighting the lengths to which individuals may go when pushed to their limits. Mary’s actions, though extreme, resonate with readers as they question the boundaries of loyalty and the consequences of betrayal. The writing style and narrative techniques employed by Roald Dahl shine in "Lamb to the Slaughter," showcasing his mastery in crafting suspenseful and darkly humorous tales. Dahl’s ability to subvert expectations and play with the reader’s perception adds layers of depth to the story, making it a compelling read from start to finish. His unique storytelling approach leaves a lasting impact on readers, cementing his reputation as a master of the short story genre. The impact and reception of "Lamb to the Slaughter" in the literary world have been significant, with readers and critics alike praising Dahl’s storytelling prowess and thematic exploration. The story’s blend of suspense, dark humor, and social commentary resonates with audiences of all ages, solidifying its place as a classic in Dahl’s repertoire. "Lamb to the Slaughter" continues to captivate new generations of readers, cementing its status as a timeless and thought-provoking tale in the literary canon.

In Roald Dahl’s classic short story, "Lamb to the Slaughter," readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and dark humor. The story revolves around Mary Maloney, a seemingly gentle housewife who takes matters into her own hands after her husband drops a shocking revelation on her. As the plot unfolds, Mary’s character evolves from a dutiful wife to a cunning, calculating individual capable of carrying out a crime of passion.

Dahl’s character analysis in "Lamb to the Slaughter" delves deep into the layers of Mary Maloney’s psyche. Initially portrayed as a devoted wife, Mary’s transformation into a determined woman seeking revenge showcases Dahl’s exceptional storytelling skills. The subtle hints dropped throughout the narrative build up to a climax that leaves readers both surprised and intrigued by Mary’s actions.

Themes of betrayal and revenge are prominently featured in "Lamb to the Slaughter," adding a dark and sinister undertone to the story. Mary’s act of violence against her husband highlights the consequences of betrayal and the lengths one might go to seek retribution. Dahl masterfully weaves these themes into the narrative, creating a compelling tale that resonates with readers long after they have finished the story.

Dahl’s unique writing style and narrative techniques shine through in "Lamb to the Slaughter," showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his dark wit and clever storytelling. The use of irony, suspense, and black humor keeps readers engaged from start to finish, making it a memorable read for fans of Dahl’s work.

The impact and reception of "Lamb to the Slaughter" in the literary world have been overwhelmingly positive. Since its publication, the story has been widely praised for its innovative plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists. Critics and readers alike have lauded Dahl’s ability to craft a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative that continues to stand the test of time.

In conclusion, "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl is a masterpiece of short fiction that expertly combines elements of mystery, betrayal, and revenge into a compelling narrative. Through nuanced character development, gripping themes, and impeccable writing style, Dahl creates a story that leaves a lasting impact on readers and cements his reputation as a master storyteller in the literary world.

Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl Book Review

In “Lamb to the Slaughter'' Roald Dahl writes a story about an unassuming housewife, Mary Maloney, who murders her own husband in a moment of anger and suddenly becomes a master con artist. In this short story, Dahl utilizes the literary devices of role reversal, stereotypes, and ironies which fill the story with dark humor, conveying the message that nothing is how it seems.

As the story begins, very clear roles are laid out for Mary and her husband. Mr. Maloney is the dominant one, in charge of making money while Mary is responsible for keeping the house in order and serving her husband. Even after her husband reveals that he is leaving her, Mary is committed to cooking him dinner. Her role is so ingrained in her identity that once she loses her position as “wife” she snaps. Mary murders her husband in a moment of rage and panic, making her the dominant one and her husband powerless. Instantaneously, Mary takes on her new role by devising an entire scheme in order to get away with murder. As her detective husband lays on the ground lifeless, it is clear that Mary has taken on the detective role as well.

The story is filled with classic stereotypes: the doting housewife, the cheating husband, and the ignorant police officers. At first glance, the characters fit right into their stereotypes, but as the story goes Mary defies her stereotype as the police officers confirm theirs. In the beginning, Mary Maloney is the perfect example of a stereotypical housewife in the 1950’s. However, she quickly shows the readers that she has more depth to her character. She proves to be unsophisticated and manipulative as her long term goal is revealed to be no longer serving her husband, but to cover up his murder instead. It seems that Mary reverts back to the stereotypical housewife, but this is part of her devious plan to protect her image and cover up her crime. To her advantage, the police officers investigating Patrick Maloney’s murder confirm another stereotype that police officers are arrogant and careless. Certain that no woman could commit such a heinous act, the officers pity the widow and cross her off as a possible suspect. While doing so, they all become accomplices in destroying the evidence of the murder. 

In addition to all of the unexpected turn of events in “Lamb to the Slaughter”, irony plays a huge role. The story begins by explaining how deeply Mary loves her husband and looks forward to him coming home every day. Yet when he finally returns from work, Mary kills him. The ironies continue as the police officers are at the crime scene searching for evidence. They treat Mary as a sad widow, completely unaware of the fact that she is guilty of murdering her husband. The most ironic scene in the story is when the officers take a break from their work and eat the lamb that Mary so kindly offers them. They continue to discuss how easy it will be to find the weapon because it must have been something big and metal, little do they know they are destroying the evidence as they speak.

Although “Lamb to the Slaughter” starts off as a seemingly happy and traditional story about a husband and wife, it turns into a tragic murder story where all norms are defied. Role reversals, stereotypes, and ironies are used throughout the story to show the readers that although things might seem one way at first, nothing is how it seems.

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Lamb to the Slaughter and other stories Pocket Book – July 20, 2015

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 128 pages
• Language French
• Publisher GALLIMARD JEUNE
• Publication date July 20, 2015
• Reading age 13 - 18 years
• Dimensions 5 x 0.31 x 7.01 inches
• ISBN-10 2070667154
• ISBN-13 978-2070667154
• See all details

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Book description, about the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ GALLIMARD JEUNE (July 20, 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ French
• Pocket Book ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 2070667154
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-2070667154
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.46 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.31 x 7.01 inches
• #30,207 in Short Stories (Books)
• #98,793 in Teen & Young Adult Books

About the author

The son of Norwegian parents, Roald Dahl was born in Wales in 1916 and educated at Repton. He was a fighter pilot for the RAF during World War Two, and it was while writing about his experiences during this time that he started his career as an author.

His fabulously popular children's books are read by children all over the world. Some of his better-known works include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox, Matilda, The Witches, and The BFG.

He died in November 1990.

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Clarkson’s Farm review – Jeremy’s heartbreak at Diddly Squat will make you weep

Although it is often hilarious, Clarkson’s ever-compelling show is back with shocking and harrowing insights into the truth about British farming. Tissues at the ready!

O h, to be in charge at Prime Video. Imagine spending $465m on a Lord of the Rings remake that hardly anyone appeared to actually enjoy, when it turns out that sticking a few cameras on a tractor while a famous curmudgeon tries to explain the impossibilities of farming in Britain today will give you the biggest show on the platform. That is, in the UK, at least. We’ll have none of your explosive charismatic movie star Mr and Mrs Smith remakes, thank you very much. We’ll take bickering with the local council about enforcement orders, novel methods of blackberry harvesting and the travails of breeding pigs at Diddly Squat farm instead.

Actually, hold that last thought, because I may still regret my emotional investment in the third season of Clarkson’s Farm. The whole series begins with a warning, in fact. “Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong,” says Clarkson, gravely. It’s the council, it’s the weather, it’s the climate, it’s the war in Ukraine. It doesn’t rain for weeks. Then it doesn’t stop raining. Things break, crops fail and animals have to go, in more ways than one. In among all that bucolic loveliness, this is a relentless and unforgiving grind.

But that is one of the many reasons this series has been so wildly popular. It gives the layperson a straight-talking account of what farming in Britain is like. Clarkson butts heads with his adviser Charlie Ireland, who knows enough about bureaucracy and red tape to tether Clarkson’s loftier ideas. Want to make jam and sell it? There are rules for that. Want to repair an old dam? There are definitely rules for that. The general pattern is familiar to anyone who has seen the previous two series. Clarkson decides he wants to try something new, much to the despair of Ireland, and the barely disguised disgust of his former assistant Kaleb Cooper, who has earned a promotion to farm manager. Clarkson tries it anyway, it causes a bit of chaos, then everyone goes on with their business.

There is a sense, though, that things feel more sober and serious this time around. The big idea holding it all together for series three is that Clarkson wants to know if he can “farm the unfarmed”. Roughly half of his 1,000 acres are given over to arable farming, while the other half consists of woodland, hedgerows and wildflower meadows. Can he make money from that side? He puts the taciturn Cooper in charge of the traditional farming, and himself in charge of the unfarmed farming, and turns it into a competition. This leaves lots of opportunity for it to devolve into farce, and it really is often very funny indeed. Cooper, in particular, has a dry wit that deflates Clarkson’s naive idealism. Just don’t put him in charge of a hovercraft.

For all of its slapstick and silliness, though, Clarkson’s Farm stealthily asks big and sometimes difficult questions. Can a farmer love their animals and also happily send them off to slaughter? There is a philosophical discussion about it. When it comes to chemical fertilisers, does long-term thinking need to be prioritised over short-term gains? In a scenario that I did not see coming, Andy Cato from Groove Armada and former T4 presenter George Lamb turn up to explain regenerative farming and offer practical solutions to ailing soil health. Do stick around to see what Cooper makes of this. It is to the credit of the show that it allows these proper conversations to take place. There aren’t many popular entertainment series that give airtime to the thorny issue of agrarian monocultures. Somehow it also manages to be highly compelling viewing. This is very well-made television, and perfectly balanced. There is serious talk, and there is a lot of titting about on tractors. Each episode ends on a proper cliffhanger. It is far too easy to watch several instalments in one greedy sitting.

Every series, Clarkson and his partner Lisa Hogan try their hand at rearing new livestock. This, reluctantly, brings me back to the pigs. Much of Clarkson’s Farm operates in a world of stiff upper lips, but there are a couple of events which cause those lips to wobble. Just as Clarkson is congratulating himself on getting over his sentimental attachment to his animals, catastrophe strikes. The episode which really gets in to the thick of their porcine woes is called, simply, Harrowing, and I have the tear-soaked tissues to prove it’s no misnomer. It’s not just me being a metropolitan wet blanket about it. Clearly, Clarkson’s Farm is a true labour of love, because there isn’t a dry eye in the pig house over there, either.

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• Television & radio
• Jeremy Clarkson

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A Lamb to the Slaughter

William w. johnstone , j.a. johnstone.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 25, 2024

About the author

William W. Johnstone

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