Lamb to the Slaughter

Punctual: coming at the right time Synonym: prompt Antonym: late

Blissful: great joy or happiness Synonym: peaceful, relaxed Antonym: stressful

Bewildred: to make or feel confused Synonym: puzzle, baffle Antonym: understanding

Peculiar: odd or strange Synonym: weird, unusual, abnormal Antonym: normal

Exasperated: irritated Synonym: frustrated, annoyed Antonym: calm, relaxed

Alibi: proof of innocence Synonym: excuse

Types of Characters PROTAGONIST: the central character, who the audience is supportive of.

ANTAGONIST whatever opposing force the protagonist struggles with, such as another character, environment, or something within the protagonist’s life

Gender Roles The ideal 1950s woman married, cooked and cared for her family, and kept herself busy by joining the local PTA and leading a troop of Campfire Girls. She entertained guests in her family’s suburban house and worked out on the trampoline to keep her size 12 figure. -- Life magazine, 1956

Gender Roles The ideal 1950s man was the provider, protector, and the boss of the house. -- Life magazine, 1955

1950s Families http://www.slideshare.net/micdshistory/1950s-gender-roles

Symbolic Meaning of the Title “lamb to the slaughter” •Meaning: unaware of any approaching catastrophe. Unaware of something bad about to happen

Mary Maloney’s Identity Mary Maloney’s identity changes throughout the story. What are her two identities? When does she change from one to the other?

-Journal--- When have you felt like you were the “lamb to the slaughter?” In other words, describe a time when you felt like you were blind-sighted or caught off guard by someone who wronged you in some way. What emotions did you feel? How did you react to the situation? (or movie, book, etc)

Lamb to the Slaughter Complete the comprehension questions for “Lamb to the Slaughter”