Lamb To The Slaughter Irony

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"Lamb to the Slaughter", by Roald Dahl is a story taking place in the 1950s at a young couple's home. The short mystery story describes a worrisome wife welcoming her husband home as he returns from work. Mary Maloney was pregnant, yet it did not stop her from fussing over her spouse, Patrick Maloney. She insisted to make him supper, or assist him in any way possible, but Patrick seemed awfully distant. Finally the conflict was revealed as he explained that he wanted to divorce her; In fact, he was in love with someone else. While Patrick was calm and unfazed, Mary became hysterical. She did not want to believe she would be left alone with a baby, with only a bit of money he would provide. Unconvinced Patrick was sensible, Mary continued making …show more content…
With faulty sorrow in her voice, Mary called the police. She behaved innocently as the detectives and police interrogated her. From a thorough inspection, the medic concluded Patrick was hit over the head once with a heavy club-like object. It was also decided the murder was not planned, most likely done in sudden anger. These scenes create situational irony, as the police come close to discovering the murder, but do not suspect Mary or her lamb chop in the oven. There is also dramatic irony, when the reader knows something ahead of the characters, such as how one knows Mary is guilty of the murder. Mary Maloney offers the cooked lamb to the officers, insisting they consume the entire thing since she had no one else to serve. The officials know there is something off about the case, stating the solution is probably right "under their noses". Verbal irony is introduced due to the fact the police are currently devouring the weapon used to kill Patrick Maloney. Mary's conflict is resolved as she gets away with the murder, not having to worry about Patrick with someone else. She silently laughs in the other room as the unsuspecting officers enjoy their

Irony In 'Lamb To The Slaughter'

Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow; And everywhere that Mary went The lamb was sure to go." This seemingly innocent nursery rhyme by Sarah Hale is about a little girl who brings her pet lamb to school. Another short text is the story by Roald Dahl, "Lamb to the Slaughter," which involves another Mary and a lamb. It is about Mary Maloney, who is a gentle and loving wife to a policeman named Patrick. On a day just like any other day, her husband tells her something that makes…

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Murder Mystery Lamb To The Slaughter Analysis

Roald Dahl’s murder mystery Lamb to the Slaughter is a story that revolves around a brisk change in mood and borderline insanity. Mary Maloney, the main character, is a pregnant wife that spends most of her time sedately waiting for her beloved husband, Patrick, to come home from work. However, when Mary is told by him that they’re going to have a divorce, things go a bit hemic. The theme this story revolves around is underestimating the vulnerable. Near the middle of the story when Mary mutilates…

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Analysis Of Lamb To The Slaughter

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