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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. As Patrick begins to talk to Mary, the lamplight leaves what aspects of his face in shadow?
(a) His nose and hair
(b) His cheek and eyebrow
(c) His chin and mouth
(d) His hair and ears

2. What is the first thing that Mary says after Patrick has related his story in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
(a) Get out of here
(b) I’ll get the supper
(c) I am in shock
(d) I have laundry to do

3. Mary’s feelings for her husband in the beginning of the story are defined in which way?
(a) Mary detests her husband
(b) Mary is enraged at her husband
(c) Mary adores her husband
(d) Mary fears her husband

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Patrick tells Mary that he’ll give her what after he’s related his story in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

2. How is the room that Mary waits in described in the opening of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

3. What does Mary tell the police detectives she went to the store to buy when they question her?

4. What member of the investigative team departs after the body has been carried out on a stretcher?

5. Patrick tells Mary after he’s finished his story, “So there it is. And I know it’s kind of” what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What can be seen as ironic in Mary’s ability to evade suspicion and prosecution in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

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

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

4. What actions does Mary plot on her way home from the store? How do these actions play out?

5. What transitions did American culture (and European culture) and society make in the 1950s?

6. How is Biblical allusion depicted through the title of “Lamb to Slaughter”?

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

8. How would you compare the style of “Lamb to the Slaughter” to other horror short stories?

9. What is significant about O’Malley’s name in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

10. What is the central example of dramatic irony in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

(see the answer keys)

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