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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How is the room that Mary waits in described in the opening of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
(a) Dark but clean
(b) Cold and dirty
(c) Warm and clean
(d) Dark but dirty

2. Patrick tells Mary that what he has to say will be what to her in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?
(a) A bit of a shock
(b) Not what she wants to hear
(c) Somewhat of a relief
(d) Potentially crushing

3. What does Mary buy at the store after she’s killed Patrick?
(a) A newspaper and a book
(b) Candy and cigarettes
(c) Potatoes and peas
(d) Rice and cheese

4. How are Mary’s eyes described in the story?
(a) Beady
(b) Slanted
(c) Small
(d) Large

5. What is Mary doing as she enters her home from the store?
(a) Frowning and praying
(b) Humming and smiling
(c) Crying and thinking
(d) Laughing and giggling

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Mary set her parcel from the store down when she enters her home?

2. Mary is said to be the wife of what after killing her husband?

3. “Lamb to the Slaughter” was adapted for an episode of what television show?

4. What is Mary’s presumed reason for killing her husband in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

5. Mary complains about what aspect of Patrick’s job after his arrival home in “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can the influence of television culture be seen in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

2. What is significant about O’Malley’s name in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

3. What characteristics define Mary Maloney in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

4. Who is Sam? What role does he play in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

5. What actions does Mary plot on her way home from the store? How do these actions play out?

6. How is the theme of passivity in “Lamb to the Slaughter” illustrated through Patrick’s character?

7. How is the character of Patrick Maloney described in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

8. What crucial information to the story is omitted? Why do you think the author omitted these details?

9. Whose point of view does the narrative of “Lamb to Slaughter” revolve around?

10. How would you characterize Mary’s mindset as she commits murder in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

(see the answer keys)

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