Mary Maloney: Sane or Insane? The author of “Lamb to the Slaughter”, Roald Dahl, introduces his readers to a story full of anticipation and surprises. In light of these elements, Dahl also familiarizes the audience with Mary Maloney, the main character and who many people would say is definitely insane. To begin with, Mary kills her husband, possibly out of shock and anger because of something he has said to her, and she murders him without a second thought. Instead of discussing her issue with what he has said, Mary simply walks “...up behind him and without any pause” (3), kills him without a regard for him or his life. This simple but barbaric ac proves that Mary is insane, because she reacts impulsively and kills someone she loves. A normal, sane …show more content…
It appears as though Mary’s conscious does not bother her. It also seems like Mary’s conscious is not bothering her at all. The lack of display of motions demonstrates that Mary recovers a little too quickly and is able to get back on her feet despite what she has just done. This proves that she does not think properly and is mentally disturbed. Finally, at the end of the story, when the policemen are eating the leg of lamb which Mary utilizes the end Patrick Maloney’s life , Mary Maloney begins to laugh simply because of the irony she sees. When they talk about how they “... think it’s right here on the premises” (8) or how it is “... right under their noses” (8), Mary Maloney overhears the conversation and continues on to giggle about what she has just heard. To laugh means that Mary finds humour in the situation which is a completely irrational is thought considering the circumstances. She lost her beloved husband at her own hands which would probably generate feelings of sadness, depression and guilt. Mary however feels none of these emotions. Mary Maloney’s laughter is yet another indicator that she is indeed crazy. In conclusion, Mary Maloney is absolutely a bizarre and insane