'Symbolism In Lamb To The Slaughter'

257 Words2 Pages
In the story “Lamb to the Slaughter”, Dahl uses irony, symbolism, and tone to reflect the theme. According to the theme, Mrs. Maloney’s cleverness can get her out of a situation she reeled herself into. The tone of the story contributes as suspenseful and ironic. The author uses frequent symbolism to describe the piece of meat, or the lamb as the wife is upset with her husband. Another example of symbolism that enhances to the theme is when Mrs. Maloney returns from the grocery store, and calls the police with no emotion of what she just done. As the police investigate the mysterious crime, they have no idea they ate the lamb that killed Mr. Maloney. Mrs. Maloney’s innocence symbolizes the police have no clue she is responsible. Lastly,