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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 does Patrick say when Mary “began to get frightened” in the first section of the story?
(a) I need another drink
(b) Is dinner ready yet?
(c) Just for a minute, sit down
(d) I don’t want any dinner

2. What kind of meat does Mary take from the freezer in the story?
(a) A whole salmon
(b) A leg of lamb
(c) A string of sausages
(d) A venison roast

3. What is described in the Thermos bucket in the opening of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
(a) Stagnant water
(b) Fresh ice cubes
(c) A bottle of beer
(d) A bottle of champagne

4. What does Mary do with the meat after killing Patrick?
(a) Throws it onto the grill
(b) Throws it into the trash
(c) Puts it into the fireplace
(d) Puts it in the oven

5. Patrick tells Mary after relating his story that “there needn’t really be any” what?
(a) Fuss
(b) Hatred
(c) Yelling
(d) Agony

Short Answer Questions

1. Of the murder weapon, one of the policemen in the kitchen says that it is probably where?

2. Mary hides the truth about Patrick’s murder to presumably protect whom?

3. Mary notices a little muscle twitching where on Patrick’s face as he begins to talk to her?

4. How is Patrick said to travel in relation to Mary as he relates his story in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mary’s character transform after hearing Patrick’s news in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

2. How is Mary’s transformation metaphorically depicted in her descent into the cellar?

3. Where in the story does the exposition take place? What important information is revealed through the exposition?

4. What differences can be seen between the 1950s society in the short story and society today?

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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