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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. “Lamb to the Slaughter” was initially rejected by what periodical for publication?
(a) Readers Digest
(b) The New Yorker
(c) Harper’s Magazine
(d) Newsweek

2. After Patrick is confirmed as dead, who arrives next to Mary’s house to join the investigation?
(a) O'Malley
(b) A police photographer
(c) A doctor
(d) Sergeant Noonan

3. Patrick tells Mary in the first half of “Lamb to the Slaughter,” “I hope you won’t blame” who too much?
(a) Yourself
(b) Me
(c) God
(d) My mistress

4. Mary is described as loving the way that Patrick remains silent about his what, in the beginning of the short story?
(a) Tiredness
(b) Admiration
(c) Anger
(d) Frustration

5. What are the first thoughts that Mary thinks after killing her husband?
(a) I must call the police
(b) All right. So I’ve killed him
(c) Hail to Mary, I’ve done it
(d) Oh dear Lord what have I done

6. What does Mary take when she runs downstairs after rehearsing in her room?
(a) Her coat
(b) Her purse
(c) Her shoes
(d) Her hat

7. Before Mary commits the crime of murder, she exhibits the qualities of what archetype or stereotype in the story?
(a) The loving mother
(b) The loyal maid
(c) The obedient housewife
(d) The sassy mistress

8. According to the narrator, Mary “knew [Patrick] didn’t want to speak much until” what was finished?
(a) The first drink
(b) Supper
(c) The sunset
(d) The second drink

9. “Lamb to the Slaughter” illustrates author Roald Dahl’s fascination with what literary genre?
(a) Horror
(b) Romance
(c) Science fiction
(d) Historical fiction

10. What is the officer’s reply when another says from the kitchen, "She wants us to finish it. She said so. Be doing her a favor”?
(a) Let’s just hide it in the trash
(b) Okay then. Give me some more
(c) Fine, I’ll take some home for my dog
(d) I would but I’m full

11. How does Mary greet her husband when he arrives in the beginning of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
(a) Hullo darling
(b) I missed you
(c) Welcome home
(d) Hello sweetheart

12. Mary tells the store clerk that Patrick has caught her without any what?
(a) Meat
(b) Dessert
(c) Beverages
(d) Vegetables

13. Where does Mary set her parcel from the store down when she enters her home?
(a) In a chair
(b) On the kitchen table
(c) In the sink
(d) On the floor

14. One of the police detectives asks Mary if anything in the house could have been used as a weapon and if she will take a look around to see if anything is missing. What items does he suggest?
(a) A frying pan or a fire poker
(b) A big spanner or a heavy metal vase
(c) A brick or a rock
(d) A hammer or a shovel

15. What is the store clerk’s response when Mary asks him if he thinks her dinner will be all right despite being cooked from frozen?
(a) Personally, I don’t believe it makes any difference
(b) Personally, I will only eat them fresh
(c) Personally, I would thaw it first
(d) I wouldn’t know, I am a vegetarian

Short Answer Questions

1. Mary tells the police detectives that she was doing what when Patrick arrived home from work?

2. How does Mary kill her husband in the story?

3. Mary complains about what aspect of Patrick’s job after his arrival home in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

4. What is a prominent literary element in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

5. What is Mary’s presumed reason for killing her husband in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

(see the answer keys)

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