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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. What time does the clock say when Mary begins to listen for her husband’s arrival in the beginning of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
(a) 8:05 p.m.
(b) 3:30 p.m.
(c) 5:15 p.m.
(d) 4:50 p.m.

2. The plot structure of “Lamb to the Slaughter” depicts which qualities?
(a) It follows a postmodern plot line
(b) It follows an anticlimactic plot line
(c) It follows a nonlinear plot line
(d) It follows a traditional plot line

3. To whom does Mary call out when she returns from the store?
(a) Patrick
(b) Jack
(c) Ben
(d) Sam

4. How are Mary’s actions described when she kills her husband?
(a) Hesitant
(b) Filled with remorse
(c) Rage driven
(d) Without any pause

5. What kind of store does Mary go to after killing Patrick?
(a) A candy store
(b) A grocery store
(c) A bookstore
(d) A taxidermy store

Short Answer Questions

1. Mary is told by the policemen that her husband has been killed with what weapon?

2. What is the first question that Mary asks Patrick after he arrives home?

3. Where does Mary set her parcel from the store down when she enters her home?

4. Mary tells the police detective that she doesn’t own any items like he suggested for the murder weapon, but that there might be some things like that where?

5. When Mary leaves to go to the store, it’s not yet what time?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Sergeant Noonan in the story? When does he arrive in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

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

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

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

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

6. What action does Patrick commit in “Lamb to Slaughter” to propel the action of the story forward?

7. How would you characterize Mary’s mindset as she commits murder in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

8. What is the motivation for the crime committed in “Lamb to Slaughter”? How is this motivation established in the beginning of the story?

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

10. After the murder has been committed, what is Mary’s central objective in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

(see the answer keys)

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