Underestimated In Roald Dahl's Lamb To The Slaughter

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"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl is a short story that explores the theme of being underestimated and how it can give power to individuals. In the story, Mary Maloney, a seemingly passive and obedient wife, is shocked when her husband announces that he is leaving her. However, instead of falling apart, she uses her underestimated demeanor to her advantage and kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb. Throughout the story, Mary is seen as a typical housewife, who is submissive and devoted to her husband. However, this perception of her as a passive individual allows her to carry out her crime without arousing suspicion. The prominent reason for certainty in Mary Maloney’s case, was the fact that she was a woman. As the policmen were