Lamb TO the Slaughter Text Dependent Questions
- At the beginning of the text, how does Dahl describe Mary’s characteristics? What textual evidence does the author use to describe Mary and her house in order to achieve this effect?
- On page 112, Dahl describes the husband’s glass of whisky and ice several times. How is it described? Why do you think he focuses on this object? Cite textual evidence to support your analysis.
- On page 113, describe the ways that Patrick’s demeanor and comments change Mary. Why does Mary undergo these changes? Use textual evidence to prove the effect Patrick’s comments have on Mary’s actions.
- How does Mary’s behavior at the grocery shop contradict what has happened earlier in the story? (Page 114-115)
- On page 115, reread the paragraph that begins “And now, she told herself as she hurried back…” This paragraph starts off with a long sentence. How does the structure of the sentence reflect her thinking at that moment?
- The police officers do not suspect Mary for the murder. How does her behavior play a role in assuring this didn’t happen? (Page 118-119 )
- What happens to the murder weapon? How does Dahl assure his readers understand the irony of this event? Cite the evidence from the story that foreshadows this event.
- Notice how the lighting changes during the course of the text. Cite evidence to show how the lighting has changed. How does this change in imagery reflect the changing character of Mary? Cite textual evidence to support your opinion.
- The phrase “going like a lamb to the slaughter” is a common phrase. Why does Dahl title this story “Lamb to the Slaughter?” Who is the “lamb” in the story? Who, or what, is being “slaughtered”?
- Describe Patrick’s characteristics. What textual evidence does the author use to describe him in order to achieve this effect? (Page 111 - 113)