Lamb to the Slaughter Essay Examples

Roald Dahl

horror (with elements of black comedy)

1954

Its literal meaning refers to the time when humans used to slaughter animals for meat. It conveys the idea that a lamb is innocent and does not ask questions. You can easily lead it anywhere and it follows, not knowing that it could be walking into a trap. It also implies that someone is about to sacrifice something.

The symbol of the story is the leg of lamb which represented Mary Maloney's weak status.

The main themes in “Lamb to the Slaughter” are gender, identity, and justice and complicity.

Mary Maloney is six months pregnant and devoted to her husband, Patrick.
Patrick Maloney is Mary's husband and a beat policeman.
Sergeant Jack Noonan is a policeman at Patrick's precinct.