1. Lamb to the Slaughter

2. Lamb to the slaughter
Meaning: In an unconcerned manner - unaware of any impending catastrophe.
Origin
From the Bible (King James Version),
Jeremiah 11:19:
But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; And I did not know that they had devised plots against me..."

3. Lamb to the Slaughter Author Biological Information Literary Focus
Theme
Narration
Conflict
Characters
Plot

4. Biological Information
Wrote for adults and children
Wrote:
James and the Giant Peach
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Matilda 

5. Literary Focus Irony Theme (Topics- betrayal, revenge)
Conflict: Internal + External

6. After you’ve read “Lamb to the Slaughter”

7. What is going on in Mary’s mind?
Draw a picture of a human head to symbolize Mary.
Write quotations from the beginning, middle, and end of the story that you feel best express Mary Malone’s state of mind.
You may also add images and thoughts and feelings that she experienced.

8. Theme
One of the primary themes of “Lamb to the Slaughter” revolves around the idea of betrayal.
Who betrays whom in this story?
Whose betrayal is worse?
Write a statement of theme for the story, focused on betrayal

9. Irony and Ambiguity
How does Dahl use irony to bring humor to this dark and disturbing story?
What ideas are still ambiguous at the end of the story? What do you still want to know?