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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mary do with the meat after killing Patrick?

2. Where does Mary go after leaving Patrick in the living room in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

3. By what name is Mary addressed by the store clerk?

4. Mary tells the police detectives that the meat for Patrick’s dinner is where when they question her?

5. Mary overhears the police detective telling another that the store clerk said Mary’s behavior was what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What conversation between Mary and Sergeant Noonan leads to the destruction of the evidence in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

3. How can the influence of television culture be seen in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

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

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

6. How would you characterize the tone and mood of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

7. How do Mary’s actions after the murder resemble those of an actor preparing for a role?

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

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

10. What influences can be seen in “Lamb to Slaughter”? When in Dahl’s career was the story written?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Sam in the story. What role does Sam play in Mary’s plot? How important is Sam’s character to the narrative? How frequently do you think Mary sees Sam? Is he a good witness as to her character?

Essay Topic 2

Define “narrative point of view” and discuss the point of view of “Lamb to the Slaughter.” Is the story related in the past, present or future tense? Is the story told from a first, second, or third person point of view? How limited is the narrator’s perspective? Why do you think the author chose this narrative style?

Essay Topic 3

Define “black comedy” and discuss how black comedy applies to the story “Lamb to the Slaughter.” What elements in the story are funny? Why are they funny? Do you think the author intends for the reader to find the story humorous or frightening?

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