Lamb to the Slaughter

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Part 1: Plot

Who is the protagonist (main character) of 'Lamb to the Slaughter'?

Who was Mary Maloney waiting for at home at the start of the story?

It is not specifically mentioned what Patrick tells Mary. What do you think he tells her? Support your answer.

What did Mary use to kill Patrick?

What happens right after Patrick is struck with the leg of lamb?

Why did Mary go to the shop? What did she do there? Give evidence from the story.

What is the significance of Patrick being a detective and Mary's interaction with the police?

What is the significance of the final scene of the story?

What can you say about the setting (time and place) of the story?

Part 2: discussion questions

Discuss (5 minutes)

1. Talk about gender roles in the story. How is Mary described? What is your impression of Mary as a woman and wife? Does this match her actions?
2. Discuss the title "Lamb to the Slaughter." How does it symbolically represent certain characters or events in the story?

Make some notes. Be prepared to share your findings with the group.

Part 3: arguments

Assignment (15 minutes)

• Form pairs. 
• Think of THREE arguments that prove Mary is GUILTY. Also provide evidence from the story (or derived from the story or make up something that makes sense).
• Think of THREE arguments that prove Mary is INNOCENT. Also provide evidence from the story (or derived from the story or make up something that makes sense).
• Make notes: this is preparation for your test!

Remember: your arguments should be persuasive. In other words: they should make someone else believe what you are saying is the truth. 

After 15 minutes, you will team up with another pair and exchange arguments.

Assignment (20 minutes)

• Go to p. 6 of your reader. 
• Choose one argument to work out in a full paragraph (150 words minimum).
• Finished? Get some feedback (fellow student / teacher).