Literary Devices in Lamb to the Slaughter and The Landlady Essay Example

Murder is quite a difficult topic to make humorous. However, the brilliant way in which Roald Dahl succeeds with this challenge results in the stories of “Lamb to the Slaughter'' and “The Landlady” being all the more interesting. The author’s use of literary devices, style, and tone emphasizes the themes of deception and betrayal.

In both “Lamb to the Slaughter” and “The Landlady”, an abundance of literary devices are used. The prominent use of imagery and foreshadowing ensues in both stories’ themes to be intertwined throughout key events of the plot. Both stories have great similarities between their themes and plots. However, they certainly possess defining distinctions. The short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” acquires the main theme of betrayal, while the central theme of deception can be found in “The Landlady”. Though foreshadowing was used in both stories, its use was more subtle in “Lamb to the Slaughter” than in “The Landlady”'. 

From the very first words the author spoke, we see how it was a definite goal to picture the setting as a “perfect household” in “Lamb to the Slaughter.” From the outside perspective, one might believe that the Maloney’s were the ideal family; trophy wife, hardworking husband, and a first baby on the way. One might even think that things were looking promising for this family. It was almost too perfect. This alludes to the not-so-perfect events that were imminent. Patrick, Mary’s husband, returns home one day in a short-tempered mood, drinking more heavily than what he usually partakes in. “He did an unusual thing. He lifted his glass and drained it in one swallow although there was still half of it, at least half of it left.” We observe how this action greatly disturbs his wife for he is behaving in a manner she classified as abnormal. Dahl also mentions how every action that took place in this home was expected and anticipated by Mary; no surprises. This causes the news of the divorce and Patrick’s tragic affair to be dramatized; making the plot twist more fascinating, and that much more absurd. The very title of this short story contains a form of foreshadowing. The title is the first thing an eye glances upon when reading. By simply reading the word “slaughter”, one might infer that murder may play a prominent role in the plot. A lamb often refers to the sacrifice of innocence. However; in this case, the one being sacrificed wasn't so innocent. Through reading and analyzing the text, the reader learns a valuable lesson. Just as trust goes both ways, so does betrayal. 

 On the other hand, the foreshadowing in “The Landlady '' is more obvious and explicit. Though the theme of betrayal is found throughout the plot of “The Landlady”, deception is both the primary and underlying theme in this story. The purposeful use of distinct words hints at the peculiar events that were about to occur. The woman is depicted as having expected or anticipated Billy’s arrival. She often says things along the lines of, “I knew you would like it.” and, “I was beginning to get worried.” The Landlady also talked about her prior visitors in the past tense. This is a subtle, yet major indicator that the boys who previously stayed at the inn may not be alive. Aside from her particular choice of words, the Landlady seemed to be a sweet, loving person. The Landlady’s external appearance and friendly behavior cause her deception to be successfully shielded until the end of the story. 

Despite both plots possessing similar themes, Roald Dahl uses discrete tones and styles in each story. The tone of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is detached, unemotional, and ironically peaceful, - considering that murder is a significant aspect of the story. After Mary Maloney kills her husband, she simply continues with the tasks her day brings as if nothing just occurred. Right after the murder, she calmly, almost in a monotone manner says, “All right, she told herself. So I killed him.” She even goes to the extent of getting ready, going to the grocery store, and cooking dinner for her dead husband! On the contrary, “The Landlady” displays a scary, dark tone. Dahl describes the air as “deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on his cheeks.” The author not only describes the setting as dark and frigid, but also deadly. The use of imagery alludes to the evil and “cold” that were forthcoming.  

Roald Dahl uses a narrative writing style in each story. He narrates the events exactly as they play out, and with great detail. The author does a phenomenal job envisioning a picture in the minds of his readers. This keeps us interested and entertained throughout the entire story. 

The events of the text are also organized in chronological order. “Lamb to the Slaughter” contains dramatic irony, for both the reader and Mary know who the true killer is and what the murder weapon was. However, the policemen are not aware of this critical knowledge. Conversely, in “The Landlady”, the story is set up in a way that the reader’s knowledge is limited; almost as if one is experiencing the events of the storyline as they play out. This results in the plot twist being greatly attention-seizing. The intriguing choice of tone and style captures the peculiar essence of both stories. 

Through a thorough analysis, the reader comes to understand the prominent similarities and differences between the two brilliant stories of “The Landlady” and “Lamb to the Slaughter”. One also acknowledges the author’s clever use of literary devices, style, and tone to emphasize the themes of deception and betrayal. Though certain events of both plots can be considered horrid, one lesson reigns true. Just as trust goes both ways, so does betrayal.