From Children’s Books to Murder Mystery–Short Story Must Read

     Roald Dahl, most known for works such as James and the Giant Peach and Matilda, makes a surprising turn from cheerful, children’s books. In the short story, “Lamb to the Slaughter,” Dahl uses an ironic play on words to weave a jaw-dropping, chilling short story about murder. The story unfolds in the 1950s, with a pregnant housewife being told heart-breaking news by her husband who is planning to leave her. While going to make dinner for her husband, she stumbles upon her murder weapon: a leg of lamb. Dahl makes the common phrase “lamb to the slaughter” a reality as the housewife, Mary Maloney, kills her husband with a blow to the head with the lamb leg. The story progresses as Mary figures out ingenious and unexpected ways to hide the murder and the weapon. 

During the 1950s, there were different expectations for men and women. In the story, Mary Maloney is described as the perfect housewife: She serves drinks for her husband after work, makes supper for him, and refers to herself as Mrs. Patrick Maloney. She tries to anticipate his every feeling, “she knew he didn’t want to speak much until the first drink was finished, and she, on her side, was content to sit quietly, enjoying his company after the long hours alone in the house.” Women were expected to dedicate themselves to their husband, they often saw their identity interchangeable with their husbands. Mary loved Patrick and devoted herself to him, but all of this is disrupted when she finds out that he is leaving her. In this story, Dahl makes a powerful statement about gender and identity. Mary goes against gender norms in the murder of her husband, going undetected by detectives who never would have thought to suspect her. 

A symbol that Dahl utilizes is the lamb leg. Lambs are generally depicted as gentle and docile, much like Mary with “the mouth that was soft, and the eyes, with their new placid look, seemed larger and darker than before.” But the assumptions about the lamb is quickly shattered as it is used as the murder weapon. The lamb leg symbolizes Mary’s transformation and defiance of gender roles. 

One of the most noticeable features that Dahl uses is subtle irony and humor. Being titled Lamb to the Slaughter is fitting, as the phrase usually refers to an individual who is helpless and unaware of their impending death, much like Patrick Maloney. It is especially accurate since the murder weapon was a lamb leg. Another time irony is incorporated is near the finishing paragraph, when the detectives murmur, “‘Probably right under our noses,’” when discussing where the murder weapon may be. As readers will find out in the end, the murder weapon was very much right under their noses. 

Throughout the story, readers will hold their breath as they read each sentence, not truly knowing the outcome until the very end. Dahl incorporates depth in symbolism and meaning, using a complex time setting of the 1950s to do so. This unique dynamic between gender and identity and role reversal is clear throughout the duration of the story, but the brevity and humor that make up the story allow for a quick and fast read. Only barely three pages, the story is filled with subtle irony and deeper themes. In Lamb to the Slaughter, Dahl shows a deeper, more complex side of himself as a writer, allowing readers to understand the range and skill that he possesses.