Suspense In 'Lamb To The Slaughter'

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Gurkirat Chahal Ms. Storey ENG 1DO-G February 18, 2016 The Creation of Suspense in Literature Authors use suspense throughout literature to gain the attention of the readers. Ronald Dahl uses various suspense building techniques in "Lamb to the Slaughter" such as foreshadowing, visual imagery, and dramatic irony. Firstly, foreshadowing in the story helps build suspense. When Mary Maloney picks up the lamb and goes into the living room she "simply walked up behind him"(Dahl 13). This makes the reader question her intentions on why Mary walks behind Patrick while holding the lamb rather than leaving it. Mary’s actions indicate that she is going to do something wrong with the lamb. Secondly, suspense is shown through the author's use of visual