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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How are the curtains arranged in the opening of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
(a) Only the right curtain is open
(b) The curtains are drawn
(c) Only the left curtain is open
(d) The curtains are wide open

2. Mary tells the police detectives that she was doing what when Patrick arrived home from work?
(a) Singing
(b) Sewing
(c) Reading
(d) Cleaning

3. Patrick’s “statement” to Mary is not detailed in the text, but is said to last now long at most?
(a) 3-4 minutes
(b) 2-3 minutes
(c) 4-5 minutes
(d) 1-2 minutes

4. From what narrative tense is “Lamb to the Slaughter” related?
(a) Present possessive tense
(b) Future imperfect tense
(c) Present tense
(d) Past tense

5. What word from the story refers to a state of being desperate or wild with excitement, passion or fear?
(a) Wonder
(b) Astonishment
(c) Frantic
(d) Grief

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the narrator, “the detectives kept asking [Mary] a lot of questions. But they always treated her” how?

2. Who gets up at once after the congealed blood is found on Patrick’s head and hurries to the phone?

3. What reason does Mary give to the store clerk for her staying in tonight?

4. The narrator states that Mary “loved to” do what “in the presence of this man” (Patrick) in the beginning of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

5. Mary’s feelings for her husband in the beginning of the story are defined in which way?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author establish and develop tension through using sound in the beginning of the story?

2. What central injustices mark the narrative of “Lamb to Slaughter”?

3. What appear to be Patrick’s motivations and desires in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

4. What symbolism surrounds the murder weapon in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

5. What do you think the outcome will be for Mary based on the ending of the story?

6. How is the character of Patrick Maloney described in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

7. How is the setting described in the first paragraph of “Lamb to Slaughter”? What items are described in the room?

8. What crucial information to the story is omitted? Why do you think the author omitted these details?

9. What role does Sergeant Noonan play in the ultimate plot twist of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

10. How is the theme of passivity in “Lamb to the Slaughter” illustrated through Patrick’s character?

(see the answer keys)

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