Exploring the Themes of Lamb to the Slaughter

Mary Maloney, a devoted wife, awaits her husband Patrick's return from work. Upon his arrival, he delivers shocking news, leading Mary to act in a daze. She visits the grocery store, maintaining a facade of normalcy. Upon returning home, she discovers Patrick dead. The police investigate, unaware that the murder weapon is the leg of lamb Mary cooked for them. The story unfolds with themes of shock, deception, and irony.

What was Mary Maloney doing while waiting for her husband?

• Cooking dinner

• Pleasing herself with the thought of his arrival

• Watching TV

• Reading a book

How did Mary Maloney's husband feel when he arrived home?

• Angry

• Tired

• Happy

• Excited

What did Mary's husband tell her that shocked her?

• He lost his job

• He was leaving her

• He was promoted

• He was sick

What did Mary buy from Sam at the grocery store?

• Chicken and rice

• Cheese and crackers

• Potatoes and peas

• Bread and milk

Why did Mary go to the grocery store?

• To buy dinner ingredients

• To buy a gift

• To meet a friend

• To get some fresh air

What did Mary discover when she returned home?

• The house was robbed

• The house was on fire

• Her husband was dead

• Her husband was missing

How did Mary react upon discovering her husband's body?

• She fainted

• She screamed

• She became frantic with grief

• She called the police immediately

What did the police conclude about the murder weapon?

• It was a knife

• It was a heavy blunt instrument

• It was poison

• It was a gun

What did Mary offer the police officers?

• Money

• The leg of lamb

• A place to stay

• A drink

What did the police believe about the murder weapon?

• It was thrown away

• It was taken by the murderer

• It was never found

• It was hidden on the premises