Faqs
How is foreshadowing used in “The Landlady?”
The story introduces a contrast between the welcoming "Bed and Breakfast" sign and the "deadly cold" night. The landlady's overly kind appearance and oddly cheap offer create a sense of unease. The presence of lifelike stuffed animals suggests an unnatural fascination with preservation. These subtle details, though seemingly innocuous at first, nudge the reader towards a dark conclusion.
Furthermore, the guest book with the names of previous guests and the landlady's chilling remark about "stuffing her little pets" hint at their fate. These specific details foreshadow the horrifying revelation and contribute to the story's chilling atmosphere.
How does the climax play out in “The Landlady?”
Billy confronts the Landlady, his suspicions confirmed by the unsettling taste of tea and her chilling admission that the previous guests, including Mulholland and Temple, reside "stuffed" on the fourth floor. The story ends with the Landlady looking at Billy with a menacing smile, leaving the reader to imagine Billy’s fate and grapple with the macabre implications.
How does Roald Dahl use irony in “The Landlady?”
Situational irony pervades the story as the seemingly welcoming bed and breakfast with cheerful yellow chrysanthemums conceals a sinister reality. Verbal irony drips from the landlady's words. When she says the room is "all ready for you, my dear," it foreshadows Billy's permanent stay, not just a few nights. Dramatic irony also plays a crucial role. The reader understands the ominous meaning behind seemingly mundane details, like the strange taste of tea, before Billy does.
