thesis statement in lamb to the slaughter

Lamb To The Slaughter | Summary, Analysis, Themes & Meaning

“Lamb to the Slaughter,” by Roald Dahl, was first published in 1953 and later appeared in collections such as “Someone Like You” (1953) and “Tales of the Unexpected” (1979). It’s a horror story like Macbeth by William Shakespeare .

The story tells how a wife cunningly employs a frozen leg of lamb to murder her unfaithful husband, devising a plan to evade detection. Adapted for television, it showcases Dahl’s adeptness at building tension and infusing dark comedy into the narrative.

Table of Contents

Summary Of The Lamb to the Slaughter

In Setting , the murder occurs in the Maloney home’s living room and kitchen, which serve as the main settings for the narrative. Although the exact time period isn’t mentioned, it appears to be in the middle of the 20th century.

The compelling story of “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl takes surprising turns as it progresses. In the opening of the story, Mary Maloney eagerly anticipates her husband Patrick’s return from work, preparing a nice supper and looking forward to a relaxing evening together.

However, her world shatters when Patrick arrives and abruptly informs her of his decision to leave. Consumed by rage and despair, Mary impulsively retrieves a frozen leg of lamb from the freezer and strikes Patrick in the back of the head, instantly killing him.

As Mary startles herself with her own actions, a whirlwind of emotions engulfs her as she grapples with the gravity of what she has done.

Mary, who is adamant about hiding her crime, carefully plans how to get rid of the murder weapon and come up with a plausible alibi. She presents a front of normalcy and offers the investigating officers the cooked leg of lamb for dinner when they arrive at her house.

They eat, without realizing it, the same proof that Patrick was murdered. Mary plays the perfect grieving widow, feigning innocence as the police talk about the case and make assumptions regarding the whereabouts of the murder weapon.

Beneath the surface, though, is a deep sense of regret and sorrow, knowing that her life would never be the same.

Dahl skillfully addresses issues of treachery, deceit, and the unexpected potential for violence in otherwise seemingly normal people throughout the entire narrative.

He subverts social norms and conventional gender roles by providing a complex representation of female agency and empowerment through the figure of Mary Maloney.

As the novel progresses, it takes readers into a world where appearances can deceive, and distinguishing guilt from innocence becomes challenging.

Lamb to the Slaughter profoundly impresses by reminding us of the fragility of human connections and the unexpected outcomes that may arise when they are tested to the extreme.

This classic story never fails to enthrall audiences with its gripping storyline and provocative topics, encouraging contemplation on the intricacies of human nature and the effects of our actions.

Analysis Of The Lamb To The Slaughter

The engrossing story “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl explores the intricacies of human nature, providing deep understanding of themes of treachery, deceit, and the unsuspected ability for violence within seemingly normal people.

Fundamentally, “Lamb to the Slaughter” offers a terrifying depiction of treachery and its terrible results. As the story begins, Mary Maloney eagerly awaits her husband’s return home, so she is taken aback when he unexpectedly announces that he is divorcing her.

Mary experiences shock and bewilderment at this abrupt betrayal, which drives her to act violently in a desperate time. We are forced to face hard realities about the brittleness of trust and the erratic nature of human conduct as we dive deeper into Mary’s psyche.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” examines the themes of deceit and the extent people will go to in order to keep their secrets hidden in addition to betrayal.

Mary skillfully creates an alibi and gets rid of the murder weapon without raising any red flags, making her flawless cover-up of her crime a monument to the power of deception.

People frequently use the vivid metaphor “lamb to the slaughter” to represent someone who enters a risky situation without realizing it will end badly, much like a lamb brought to its fate without realizing it would end badly.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” also offers a biting assessment of the restrictions imposed on women in patriarchal civilizations, challenging conventional gender roles and cultural expectations.

As Mary transforms from a subservient housewife to a crafty killer, “Lamb to the Slaughter” challenges expectations and prompts readers to reevaluate their ideas about the agency and empowerment of women.

Dahl emphasizes the intricacies of gender dynamics and how cultural norms may influence people’s conduct through Mary’s deeds. In summary, “Lamb to the Slaughter” enthralls readers with its compelling story and provocative issues, making it a well-written piece.

The complexities of Mary Maloney’s narrative force us to face difficult realities about the nature of humanity and the limits of our own morality.

This timeless short story serves as a sobering reminder of the intricacies of human nature and the unintended repercussions of our actions because of its ageless relevance and enduring influence.

Symbolism In Lamb To The Slaughter

Meaning and context of “lamb to the slaughter”.

People frequently use the vivid metaphor “lamb to the slaughter” to represent someone entering a risky situation without realizing it will end badly, much like a lamb brought to its fate without realizing it would end badly.

Moreover, It’s a striking picture that makes you feel vulnerable and in danger. We meet Mary Maloney in this compelling story, an apparently loving wife whose life takes an abrupt and surprising change when her husband makes the shocking declaration that he is divorcing her.

Mary’s first shock soon gives way to desperation and wrath, which causes her to carry out a shocking act of violence using a leg of lamb as her preferred weapon.

The story’s background reveals layers of treachery, deceit, and the surprising ability for violence inside seemingly normal people.

Furthermore, It casts doubt on our conceptions of innocence and poses interesting queries about human nature and the extent people will go to in times of extreme need.

In addition, “Lamb to the Slaughter” criticizes social norms and conventional gender roles. Mary’s journey from obedient wife to premeditated killer subverts social mores and illuminates the nuances of human nature.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a provocative examination of the human condition, not merely a slogan. It compels us to consider the ramifications of betrayal and the unpredictable nature of human conduct with its compelling story and vibrant cast of characters.

The next time you hear the phrase “lamb to the slaughter,” try to recall the meaning behind it and give it some thought.

Character Dynamics In Lamb to the Slaughter

Dahl skillfully creates complex character interactions that propel the story along. The tension between Mary and the detectives, as well as Mary’s internal conflict about lying and guilt, makes the plot more complex.

Through complex character relationships, Dahl delves into themes related to morality, justice, and the fallout from betrayal. Readers are lured into a web of suspense and intrigue as Mary deals with the fallout from her crime and the detectives hunt down their suspect.

Moreover, the story’s recurring power struggles and moral uncertainty highlight the complexity of human nature and the varied ways that people react to hardship.

Mary Maloney

Mary Maloney, the story’s protagonist, is an obedient and seemingly meek woman who experiences a tremendous shift following her husband’s betrayal. Mary’s character, who was first portrayed as a loving wife, takes a stunning turn when she murders someone.

Dahl deftly captures Mary’s plunge into darkness, bringing to light the breadth of her resourcefulness and despair. Although, readers will see Mary’s inner torment and the slow erosion of her innocence as she struggles with the truth of her husband’s adultery.

She reveals layers of depth and ambiguity in her character through her deliberate acts, which range from the meticulous preparation of the murder to her cool-headedness in the aftermath.

Patrick Maloney

Mary’s husband Patrick Maloney acts as a trigger for the plot’s developments. Patrick’s character is prominent despite his brief involvement in the story because of his betrayal and the effect it had on Mary.

Although Patrick’s actions are never fully addressed, he plays a vital role in the plot since his treachery sets the setting for Mary’s dramatic actions. Readers learn more about Patrick’s personality and his relationship with Mary through Mary’s memories and the investigators’ inquiry.

Moreover, he is sudden declaration of his intention to file for divorce rocks Mary’s world, deepening her spiral into despair and inspiring the unforgiveable act of violence that ensues.

The Detectives

The investigators looking into Patrick’s slaying offer an alternative viewpoint on Mary’s personality. Their suspicion and disbelief that Mary is a suspect exposes preconceptions and biases in society.

The detectives fail to recognize Mary’s intelligence and resourcefulness despite their professional manner, which ultimately prevents them from solving the case.

Readers are given hints about the detectives’ own prejudices and assumptions as they question Mary and analyze the evidence.

Moreover, their incapacity to look behind Mary’s façade highlights the shortcomings of their research strategy and offers a critique of the brittleness of human judgment.

Themes In Lamb to the Slaughter

Betrayal and revenge.

Mary’s learning of her husband’s adultery sparks her journey into darkness, highlighting the topic of betrayal. Dahl examines the effects of betrayal and the hazy boundaries between justice and retribution as Mary painstakingly prepares and carries out her retaliation.

Mary’s actions were stunning, which emphasizes the damage betrayal does to relationships and the extent people would go to in order to exact revenge.

Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Dahl deftly explores the concept of deception throughout the narrative, as Mary hides her actual motivations under an act of innocence.

In addition, the theme that looks can be deceiving is furthered by the contrast between Mary’s exterior and her inner thoughts and behaviors.

Dahl asks readers to consider their views of reality and the veracity of appearances through Mary’s deception of the truth and her ability to outwit the police.

Justice and Morality

Through Mary’s wrongdoing, Dahl challenges readers to consider the nuances of morality and justice. Even though one can perceive Mary’s conduct as morally dubious, her motivations and the circumstances of the crime raise significant ethical problems.

Moreover, Dahl invites readers to ask themselves if Mary’s actions are morally acceptable in the face of injustice and betrayal as the narrative progresses, challenging conventional ideas of good and wrong.

Gender Roles and Power Dynamics

“Lamb to the Slaughter” delves at the power dynamics and gender roles in marriage and society. Mary defies assumptions and prejudices by going from being a subservient wife to a crafty perpetrator, emphasizing the idea of empowerment.

Furthermore, Dahl gently challenges gender norms and expectations in society, implying that people might rebel against stereotypes and express their agency in novel ways.

Irony and Dark Humor

Dahl adds layers of complexity and depth to the narrative by infused the story with black comedy and irony. A sense of black comedy is produced by the ridiculousness of Mary’s crime as well as the incapacity and ignorance of the police.

Dahl draws readers into an exciting and gripping investigation of human nature and the capricious turns of fate through sardonic turns of events and shocking discoveries.

Finally, Roald Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter” skillfully examines themes of treachery, deceit, and the unpredictable aspect of human nature.

In addition, the story’s compelling plot and nuanced cast of characters make readers think about the ramifications of treachery and the hazy boundaries between retribution and justice.

Furthermore, “Lamb to the Slaughter” never fails to enthrall viewers with its dark humor and surprising turns, serving as a constant reminder of Dahl’s storytelling prowess.

The phrase “Lamb to the Slaughter” means being led to a situation where one is in imminent danger or harm without realizing it.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a work of fiction by Roald Dahl and not based on a true story.

The story “Lamb to the Slaughter” revolves around a woman who murders her husband with a frozen leg of lamb and then cleverly conceals the crime.

The main message of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is the unpredictability of human behavior and the consequences of betrayal.

The moral lesson of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is that appearances can be deceiving, and revenge can have unexpected consequences.

Lamb to the Slaughter is not typically categorized as a horror story, but it does contain elements of suspense and dark humor.

Related Posts:

The Devil in the White City | Summary, Themes & Symbolism

Lorenzo De Medici In The Price | De Medici (Biography, Net Worth)

Twelve (Novel) By Nick McDonell | Summary, Characters & Themes

Mr. Thornton Character Analysis | In North And South

Symbolism In All My Sons (Themes & Quotes) | By Arthur Miller

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What Are Pulleys | Types, Advantages, Examples & Parts

Orphan Train by Baker Kline | Summary, Analysis & Themes

Soliloquy in Romeo and Juliet | Explanation & Importance

Snug In A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Character Analysis

Periodicity Assumption | Importance, Advantages & Examples

Galatea Effect | Difference Between Pygmalion and Galatea Effects

Never Let Me Go (novel) | Characters, Summary, Analysis & Themes

The scarlet letter | facts, summary, analysis, themes & characters, freida riley in october sky | role character analysis & award, the runaway by robert frost: summary, analysis & themes.

A Summary and Analysis of Roald Dahl’s ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ is a 1953 short story by Roald Dahl (1916-90), which was initially rejected for publication but was later adapted for television on several occasions. Included in Dahl’s collections Someone Like You (1953) and Tales of the Unexpected (1979), the story is about a wife who murders her unfaithful husband with a frozen leg of lamb before hatching a plan to ensure she isn’t caught for her crime.

Before we offer an analysis of ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’, it might be worth recapping the plot of Dahl’s story.

Plot summary

Mary Maloney is waiting at home for her husband, Patrick, to get home from work. He is a detective. She is six months pregnant with their child. When he gets home, she pours them both a drink and notices that Patrick has drained his glass more swiftly than he usually does. He pours himself another whisky before revealing to his wife that he plans to leave her.

Mary is stunned by this revelation, and initially wants to act as though it hasn’t happened. She decides to go and get some food from the freezer that she can cook for their dinner. She finds a leg of lamb in the freezer, and when her husband announces he’s going out, she strikes him on the back of the head with the lamb leg, killing him.

Immediately she starts to think about how to cover her tracks so she won’t be caught. She puts the meat in the oven to cook. After rehearsing what she will say to the nearby grocer, she goes out to his shop and buys some potatoes and peas to go with the roast lamb. When talking to the grocer, Sam, she acts as though everything is all right and her husband is waiting for her back home.

When she returns home, she talks herself into believing her husband is still alive, so she is genuinely shocked when she sees his body lying on the floor. She phones the police to report that he has been murdered, and a group of detectives – who knew Patrick from work – show up to investigate his death.

The detectives make a thorough search of the house, believing that Patrick was murdered by a heavy metal implement. So they search for something that could have been used as the murder weapon. They remain in the house for so long that Mary offers them all a drink. They reluctantly accept and, when she is reminded of the lamb cooking in the oven, she suggests that they eat it since they must be hungry.

Again, they agree, and as they sit around the table eating the leg of lamb which killed their former colleague, they remain oblivious to the fact that they are, in fact, destroying the evidence themselves. In the next room, Mary giggles.

Dahl’s story was suggested by his friend Ian Fleming, who created James Bond. Dahl adapted Fleming’s Bond novel You Only Live Twice for the big screen; he also co-wrote the screenplay for the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , which was also based on a Fleming novel. And it was Fleming who suggested the idea for ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’, telling his friend that he should write a story about a woman who murders her wife with a leg of mutton (not lamb) which she then serves to the investigating officers.

‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ can be categorised as a horror story (although given the lack of any supernatural element, ‘thriller’ is perhaps a more apposite label), although we should also pay attention to the darkly humorous elements of the tale: features in keeping with Dahl’s writing as a whole.

The story reflects – but then subverts – a common trope of the early 1950s: namely, the wife as the faithful homemaker while the husband goes out to work. At the beginning of ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’, Mary Maloney cannot do enough for her husband, waiting patiently and eagerly for him to arrive home, fetching his drink, asking him about his day.

But when the stability of her world crumbles in a few minutes, when Patrick tells her that he is leaving her (although it isn’t mentioned, we assume he has met someone else), she changes very quickly – and easily – from dutiful wife to cold-blooded murderer.

In other words, once the role she has settled into over the years, that of being ‘Mrs Patrick Maloney’, is taken away from her, she finds herself able to switch in and out of that role with ease. After a brief rehearsal at home, she is able to convince the grocer that she is still the dutiful wife once again: an act she performs again for the policemen.

Dahl makes it clear that she doesn’t murder her husband out of fear of being penniless without the money from him, the breadwinner of the family: he makes it clear he will continue to provide for her financially. Instead, her motive is more complex. Does she kill him out of jealousy or spite, or resentment at having conceived the child of a man who doesn’t even intend to hang around long enough to see it born?

Dahl leaves these questions open for us to discuss. Note how, in the moments preceding that decisive moment when she strikes her husband with the leg of lamb, her movements become automatic, as if she is being guided by some other force. Her unconscious? The concentrated righteous anger of ‘a woman scorned’? Dahl tells us that she ‘simply’ walked up to her husband and struck him with the lamb.

It is as if she is performing some perfunctory task, almost as though the mundane and automatic business of housework has been extrapolated to incorporate the business of murder. She doesn’t appear to lash out in a moment of fury, cold or otherwise. It is almost as if she feels she has no other choice.

There is obviously a grim irony in the method she uses to dispatch her husband. The roast joint cooking in the oven is the symbol par excellence of the good 1950s housewife, feeding her husband after a long day at work. There is also symbolism in the fact that this food, meant to be an offering from wife to husband, is used instead to kill the husband, with the deadly weapon being given instead to a host of other men (who, as policemen, are also stand-ins for the dead husband in some respects).

In the last analysis, then, ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’ is a short story about how easily the meek and loving housewife can transform into a cold and calculating killer. It is Mary’s sudden change that makes the story so unsettling, and the lack of remorse she shows for her crime; but her choice of murder weapon and method of disposing of the evidence make this story as much black comedy as out-and-out horror tale.

Discover more from Interesting Literature

Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.

Type your email…

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Literature Studies: “Lamb to The Slaughter” by Roald Dahl Essay

Patrick is a detective who punctually arrives home to his wife. She always offers him a cold drink and allows him to take it peacefully. However, on this fateful day, the unusual happened and Patrick presumably told Mary, his wife, they were going to part ways. The series of events following this announcement led to Patrick’s death and an investigation into his death. This paper looks into Mary Maloney’s nature and her controlling characteristic as narrated by Dahl.

Dahl begins the story by introducing a wife, Mary Maloney, who is in a warm room waiting for her husband (Dahl). From the onset, Mary is depicted as a dedicated and dutiful wife with much love for her spouse. Despite signs pointing to anxiety, her occasional glances at the watch, she is calm.

Mary also comes across as keen to detail, she knows exactly when her husband comes home every day. Mary is composed, loving, and meticulous. However, in all her character traits, her attention to detail appears to contribute a significant share to her overall character.

The opening paragraphs clearly inform the reader that Mrs. Maloney is observant. She knows precisely what time her husband arrives since she begins to listen for signs of Patrick’s arrival. “When the clock said ten minutes to five … a few moments later, punctually as always…” (Dahl). She is rewarded by the sound of car tires outside the house. She can also tell that the second drink Patrick made for himself is stronger by just looking at it.

Her meticulous nature is called upon when she realizes that she has killed Patrick. Mary knows that if found at the crime scene without an alibi, she would end up as the prime suspect. A possibility of being charged for murder does not frighten her. Mary’s only fear is for the unborn child she is carrying (Dahl). To protect her soon to be born baby:

“She carried the meat into the kitchen, put it into a pan, turned on the oven… she washed her hands, ran upstairs, sat down in front of the mirror, fixed her makeup, and tried to smile … That was better. Both the smile and the voice sounded better now. She practiced them several times more” (Dahl).

Heading to the grocery, she bought what she needed. Her keen eye for detail plays out above and further highlighted by her knowledge of Patrick’s favorite dessert.

After the police arrived and began a thorough investigation, they realized that Mr. Maloney died from a blow to his back. As Mary cries in the house, Dahl gives the reader a hint to her diabolical plan. By cooking the “murder weapon”, she has partially destroyed any evidence linking her to Patrick’s death. However, it is not destroyed completely yet.

First, she offers the detectives a drink, possibly alcoholic and bids her time. Jack reminds her of the oven that is still running. She feigned surprise and with a teary face gently offers the officers to eat the murder weapon. Her mission to protect her unborn child appears accomplished when the police decide to finish the lamb. The story ends with Mary laughing at the remark by a police officer that the murder weapon was probably right under their noses.

Works Cited

Dahl, Roald. “Lamb to The Slaughter.” Harper’s Magazine. 1953. Print.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2020, March 22). Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/

"Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl." IvyPanda , 22 Mar. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl'. 22 March.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl." March 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/.

1. IvyPanda . "Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl." March 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl." March 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/.

• "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "A Jury of Her Peers"
• Who Governs? Democracy and Power in an American City' by Robert Dahl
• “Who Governs?” by Robert Dahl
• "A Passage to India" by Edward Forster
• Literature Studies: “The Chimney Sweeper” by W. Blake
• Literature Studies: William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
• Literature Studies: King Lear by William Shakespeare
• Shakespeare Tragedies: Macbeth and King Lear

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Lamb to The Slaughter — Theme Of Lamb To The Slaughter

Theme of Lamb to The Slaughter

• Categories: Deception Lamb to The Slaughter

About this sample

Words: 676 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 676 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Psychology Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 669 words

1 pages / 604 words

4 pages / 1725 words

4.5 pages / 1980 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Lamb to The Slaughter

Roald Dahl stands as a renowned British author, celebrated for his numerous novels and short stories. Among his compelling short stories lies the darkly humorous narrative, "Lamb to the Slaughter." This tale delves into the [...]

"Lamb to the Slaughter" is a captivating short story by Roald Dahl that delves into the unexpected transformation of the protagonist, Mary Maloney. The story revolves around Mary, a seemingly devoted housewife, who takes drastic [...]

"Lamb to the Slaughter," a short story by Roald Dahl, is a masterful example of how characterization can drive a narrative forward. In this story, the protagonist, Mary Maloney, undergoes a dramatic transformation from a [...]

Roald Dahl's short story "Lamb to the Slaughter" explores various themes that contribute to its rich and intriguing narrative. Published in 1953 as part of the "Tales of the Unexpected" collection, this dark and twisted tale [...]

In Lamb to the slaughter written by Roald Dahl in 1953, the symbol lamb means meek, innocent and pure, also Victory of life and death. Both Mary and her husband Patrick take on the roles of figurative lambs as they the roles of [...]

How will Mary get away with murder? The author Roald Dahl uses a few literary elements to make this murder successful in his story. Suspense, and Plot. In the story Mary Maloney waits for her husband, Patrick Maloney, to come [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Lamb to the Slaughter

Ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight—hers and the one by the empty chair opposite. On the sideboard behind her, two tall glasses, soda water, whisky. Fresh ice cubes in the Thermos bucket. Mary Maloney was waiting for her husband to come home from work.

There was a slow smiling air about her, and about everything she did. The drop of the head as she bent over her sewing was curiously tranquil. Her skin—for this was her sixth month with child—had acquired a wonderful translucent quality, the mouth was soft, and the eyes, with their new placid look, seemed larger, darker than before.

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. She loved to luxuriate in the presence of this man, and to feel—almost as a sunbather feels the sun—that warm male glow that came out of him to her when they were alone together.

And I know it’s kind of a bad time to be telling you, but there simply wasn’t any other way. Of course I’ll give you money and see you’re looked after. But there needn’t really be any fuss. I hope not anyway. It wouldn’t be very good for my job.

At that point, Mary Maloney simply walked up behind him and without any pause she swung the big frozen leg of lamb high in the air and brought it down as hard as she could on the back of his head. She might just as well have hit him with a steel club. She stepped back a pace, waiting, and the funny thing was that he remained standing there for at least four or five seconds, gently swaying. Then he crashed to the carpet.

It was extraordinary, now, how clear her mind became all of a sudden. She began thinking very fast. As the wife of a detective, she knew quite well what the penalty would be. That was fine. It made no difference to her. In fact, it would be a relief. On the other hand, what about the child? What were the laws about murderers with unborn children? Did they kill them both—mother and child? Or did they wait until the tenth month? What did they do? Mary Maloney didn’t know. And she certainly wasn’t prepared to take a chance.

The two detectives remained, and so did the two policemen. They were exceptionally nice to her, and Jack Noonan asked if she wouldn't rather go somewhere else, to her sister’s house perhaps, or to his own wife who would take care of her and put her up for the night.

Sometimes Jack Noonan spoke to her gently as he passed by. Her husband, he told her, had been killed by a blow on the back of the head administered with a heavy blunt instrument, almost certainly a large piece of metal. They were looking for the weapon. The murderer may have taken it with him, but on the other hand he may’ve thrown it away or hidden it somewhere on the premises.

“It’s the old story,” he said. “Get the weapon, and you’ve got the man.”

“Here you all are, and good friends of dear Patrick’s too, and helping to catch the man who killed him. You must be terribly hungry by now because it’s long past your supper time, and I know Patrick would never forgive me, God bless his soul, if I allowed you to remain in his house without offering you decent hospitality. Why don’t you eat up that lamb that’s in the oven? It’ll be cooked just right by now.”

The woman stayed where she was, listening to them through the open door, and she could hear them speaking among themselves, their voices thick and sloppy because their mouths were full of meat. … “That’s the hell of a big club the guy must’ve used to hit poor Patrick,” one of them was saying. “The doc says his skull was smashed all to pieces just like from a sledge-hammer.” … “Personally, I think it’s right here on the premises. “Probably right under our very noses. What you think, Jack?” And in the other room, Mary Maloney began to giggle.

• International
• Schools directory
• Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl Vocabulary Games and Activities

Subject: English

Age range: 13 - 18

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

13 May 2024

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: congeal, dazed, exasperated, luxuriate, mutter, parcel, placid, punctually, spanner, translucent, trifle, and weary.

By engaging with these activities, students will:

• Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
• Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
• Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 17%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Short Stories by Roald Dahl - Quizzes, Close Readings, and Vocabulary Games (Bundle)

Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and support critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching three short stories by Roald Dahl: "**Lamb to the Slaughter**," "**Beware of the Dog**," and "**The Landlady**." A quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, and word search game are provided for each narrative. Answer keys for everything are also included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following: * Identify what the texts state explicitly and implicitly * Determine the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words * Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings * Determine the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences * Infer the intended effects of the author's word choices and narrative techniques * Explore how "Beware of the Dog" conforms to the conventions of surrealism * Conduct research as needed to answer questions involving historical context and autobiographical parallels in "Beware of the Dog" * Describe the tone of a given passage * Determine the functions of given passages * Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop * Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, paradox, personification, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more * Consider themes in context * Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence * Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision * Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

Crime fiction appeals to many high school readers and maximizes engagement with literature. "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl is a darkly comedic short story belonging to a subgenre called revenge fantasy, as it details a husband's murder at the hands of his wife (and the frozen leg of a lamb). This bundle helps English teachers evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support critical thinking. It includes a plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will perform the following tasks: * Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly * Define words and phrases as they are used in the text * Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings * Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences * Discern the narrative's inciting incident * Analyze the setting and its immediate effect on the audience * Determine the tone of a given passage * Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact * Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, foreshadowing, ambiguity, and more * Discern the most relevant theme from among several options * Argue whether Mary is portrayed as an intelligent individual * Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence * Write about fictional texts with clarity, accuracy, and precision * Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Environment
• Food and farming
• Food and farming industry
• Latest cattle, sheep and pig slaughter statistics
• Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs

Monthly UK statistics on cattle, sheep and pig slaughter and meat production– statistics notice (data to April 2024)

Updated 16 May 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cattle-sheep-and-pig-slaughter/monthly-uk-statistics-on-cattle-sheep-and-pig-slaughter-and-meat-production-statistics-notice-data-to-april-2024

1. Key messages.

UK prime cattle (steers, heifers and young bulls) slaughterings in April 2024 were up 9.8% on April 2023 at 178,000 head. Beef and veal production was 76,000 tonnes, 7.9% higher than in April 2023.

UK clean sheep slaughterings were down 13% on April 2023 at 822,000 head. Mutton and lamb production was 21,000 tonnes, 5.1% lower than in April 2023.

UK clean pig slaughterings were up 6.8% on April 2023 at 819,000 head. Pigmeat production was 77,000 tonnes, 8.2% higher than in April 2023.

2. Livestock slaughtered

2.1 monthly numbers of home killed livestock slaughtered.

Table 2.1 shows monthly estimates of the number of home killed cattle, sheep and pigs, slaughtered as meat for human consumption in UK abattoirs.

Table 2.1: United Kingdom monthly numbers of livestock slaughtered (Thousand head)

2.2 average weekly number of home killed livestock slaughtered.

Table 2.2 shows the average weekly slaughter figures for the last three months and the previous year’s current month for comparison. The monthly slaughter figures in section one are affected by the number of days in the survey period. To get a clearer measure of trends weekly averages are calculated using the number of livestock slaughtered and the number of days in each period. Longer term trends can be seen in Figures 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, following this table.

Table 2.2: United Kingdom average weekly numbers of livestock slaughtered (Thousand head)

Figure 2:1 united kingdom average weekly numbers of cattle slaughtered.

Figure 2:2 United Kingdom average weekly numbers of sheep slaughtered

Figure 2:3 United Kingdom average weekly numbers of pigs slaughtered

2.3 Monthly numbers of home killed livestock slaughtered by country

Table 2.3 shows monthly estimates of the number of cattle, sheep and pigs slaughtered for meat in England and Wales, Scotland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Table 2.3: United Kingdom monthly numbers of livestock slaughtered by country (Thousand head)

Notes: 1. October 2023 Northern Ireland slaughter throughput was lower than expected due to industrial action. Any revisions to data will be published in the November and December releases.

3. Average dressed carcase weights

3.1 monthly average dressed carcase weights for cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Table 3.1 shows the monthly average dressed carcase weight (DCW) of livestock slaughtered for meat for human consumption in the United Kingdom.

Table 3.1 United Kingdom average dressed carcase weights (Kilogrammes)

The dressed carcase weight of calves varies significantly depending on the age of the calves.

4. Home killed meat production

4.1 monthly volumes of home killed meat production.

Table 4.1 shows the monthly volumes of meat produced in UK abattoirs.

Table 4.1: United Kingdom monthly volumes of meat production (Thousand tonnes)

5. about these statistics, 5.1 methodology.

Following a quality assurance exercise, livestock numbers from April 2023 will be obtained from Food Standards Agency (FSA) administrative data. The FSA data provides complete monthly coverage of slaughterhouse throughput in England and Wales.

Defra runs monthly slaughterhouse surveys that collects information on livestock slaughter numbers and weight of meat produced by category. These data are used to apportion FSA data into livestock categories and for quality assurance purposes. The survey goes to all major slaughterhouses and survey response is typically around 90%.

Similar surveys are run by RESAS in Scotland and by DAERA in Northern Ireland. Scottish statistics on livestock slaughterings are available in [the Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture at the Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture webpage from Scottish government (Tables A5 and A6) . This website also contains contact details and more information. Northern Ireland results are available at the Northern Ireland cattle sheep slaughterings webpage and Northern Ireland pig slaughterings webpage .

Information on the weight of meat produced from a sample of animals weighed at slaughterhouses is obtained from survey respondents. From the information provided average dressed carcase weights for each animal type are primarily calculated by adding up the total weight of the meat produced and dividing by the number of animals weighed. Cold dressed carcase weights are recorded.

The volume of meat production is estimated from the number of all livestock slaughtered and average dressed carcase weight information collected. This total ‘Home killed’ production includes livestock imported into the United Kingdom for slaughter.

With effect from February 2016 the statistics published in this notice are based on calendar rather than statistical months. This change simplifies our survey processes and brings our slaughter survey in line with our milk surveys which are already run on a calendar month basis; it also removes the need for the 53 week year (which would have to be 2016). Since the end of weekly slaughter survey several years ago, there is no legislative requirement for weekly data, so since then we have derived the average weekly throughput from the monthly survey data.

The January 2016 data will include the last week of December 2015 and therefore be classed as a 5-week month. From 1st February 2016 onwards the statistics are based on calendar months.

We have carried out a review of the methodology for calculating the dressed carcase weights in order to align with UK specifications. Some slaughterhouses provide Cattle Dressed Carcase Weights (DCW) including Kidney Knob and Channel Fat (KKCF); some slaughterhouses provide pig weights at EC specification. From September 2019 cattle DCWs are calculated to UK specification which excludes KKCF; Pigs are dressed to UK specification.

To calculate the DCW of animals by category:

• If the slaughterhouse includes KKCF in the total weight, a deduction of 3.9% occurs. This aligns to the UK DCW specification.

Link to beef carcase classification scheme webpage

• If pigs are dressed to EC specification then an increase of 1.6% to the DCW occurs to align with UK specification.
• Link to pig carcase grade scheme webpage

Some slaughterhouses specialise for niche markets. These slaughterhouses are treated separately so their DCW are not used to raise the data for those slaughterhouses who do not provide DCW data.

Data have been revised to January 2018 using the new methodology. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at [email protected]

5.2 Revisions

5.2.1a revision – april 2023.

From April 2023 we have revised our livestock numbers across all categories from January 2021 to March 2023. The updated figures have been included in the accompanying dataset.

This revision is due to an issue identified in our previous methodology for calculating slaughter numbers. Due to the method of processing the monthly figures, subsequent updates to the slaughter numbers from the Food Standards Agency were not captured and there was underestimation of slaughter numbers in some categories. We have revised the data from January 2021 to March 2023 to capture these updated figures. Further we have revised our livestock categories ratios based on previous year’s survey data for data accuracy purposes.

Due to the change in methodology comparisons with previous years will not be possible.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at [email protected]

5.2.1b Revision – October 2023

From October 2023 we have revised our pig slaughter figures between January 2021 to September 2023. The updated figures have been included in the accompanying dataset.

This revision is due to the development of a new methodology for apportioning FSA pig slaughter numbers into the categories: clean pigs and, sows and boars. From October 2023 we stratified the pig abattoirs into 2 strata, one stratum for those abattoirs that have a large throughput of sows and boars and one for the rest and raise the data separately. This change was made as we feedback indicated that our survey was not representative for pigs, as we were surveying 100% of those abattoirs with a large throughput of sows and boars.

5.2.2 Revision Policy

Figures in this notice are provisional and subject to revision. We will provide information about any revisions we make to previously published information in this statistics notice and the associated datasets. Revisions could occur for various reasons, including:

if we have not received survey data from respondents we make an estimate based on their previous returns. These estimates will be replaced with actual survey data when it is received.

survey respondents occasionally supply amended figures for previous periods.

FSA administrative data can be revised up to two months after production. We will include any revised data in the subsequent publication releases.

5.3 Data users

The livestock industry is a major user of the data, including divisions of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). AHDB Pork (formally known as BPEX, representing the English pig industry) and AHDB Beef and Lamb (formerly EBLEX, representing the English beef and sheep industry). Industry users rely heavily on the numbers of slaughterings and meat production to assess the current state of the industry and predict the available supplies of meat for the coming year. This, in turn, can affect meat prices and trade decisions on levels of imports and exports to maintain supply. Users have always been very keen for the slaughtering statistics to be produced as quickly as possible so that the data is still relevant. For this reason, we collect and publish these statistics to a very tight timetable, publishing within three weeks of the survey date. The “Market Intelligence” and “Market Outlook” Reports on the AHDB Beef and Lamb website refer consistently to our statistics at the AHDB Beef and lamb webpage The AHDB Pork site provides more in-depth analysis of pigmeat production statistics at the AHDB pigmeat production webpage .

6. Definitions

Steers (or Bullocks): Castrated males over 1 year old, raised for beef.

Heifers: Female animals that have not calved. Over 1 year old, raised for beef.

Young bulls: Non-castrated young males, raised for beef, generally slaughtered around 13 months old.

Prime cattle: All those raised specifically for beef production. Total of Steers + Heifers + Young Bulls.

Breeding bulls: Older cull males, previously used for breeding

Cows: Older cull females, previously used for breeding

Calves: All bovine animals aged 1 year old or younger. Prior to May 2014, the definition was “animals weighing less than 165kg”.

7. Accredited official status

Accredited official statistics are called National Statistics in the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. An explanation can be found on the Office for Statistics Regulation website .

Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to.

These accredited official statistics were independently reviewed by the Office for Statistics Regulation in 2014. They comply with the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics and should be labelled ‘accredited official statistics’.

You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards (see contact details below). Alternatively, you can contact OSR by emailing [email protected] or via the OSR website .

Since the latest review by the Office for Statistics Regulation, we have continued to comply with the Code of Practice for Statistics, and have made the following improvements: • In 2016 we changed the reporting of our livestock statistics to calendar months from statistical months in response to user feedback. • In 2019 we carried out a review and changed the methodology for calculating dressed carcase weights in order to align with UK specifications. • In 2023, after a quality assurance exercise, we changed the data source of our livestock slaughter numbers to Food Standards Agency (FSA) administrative data. The FSA data provides full monthly coverage of slaughterhouse throughput in England and Wales. • In 2023, in response to user feedback, we changed our methodology for apportioning pig slaughter data into clean pigs and sows and boars categories.

8. Future publications

This notice will be updated at 09:30 on Thursday 13th June 2024. Additional time series which include weekly slaughter averages, production and trade data can be found at the the UK government livestock statistics web page.

Enquiries to: Livestock statistics team, Tel: +44 (0) 208 026 6306

Email: [email protected]

Defra, Rm 201, Foss House, Kings Pool, 1-2 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PX

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .