Lamb to the Slaughter

Mary Maloney, Roald Dahl's character and the title of his story, "Lamb to the Slaughter," are telling components of this murder scene. Mary is the very controlled and convincing wife, who kills her husband, after learning that he is about to leave her. If Mary were to be charged with her husband's murder, she would be found Sane and Guilty of Murder in the First Degree. <Tab/>Mary realizes that her …

…mysterious leg of lamb. Mary has eluded the authorities and has protected herself and her unborn child. <Tab/>The expression, "lamb to the slaughter" describes how an innocent animal on it's way to the slaughter has no idea of what is about to happen. Mary killed Patrick, when his back was to her and he never knew his murderer. Patrick, like a lamb also never knew what was about to happen.