Lamb To The Slaughter

Irony is the most prominent literary device in “Lamb to the Slaughter.” The story creates situational irony as events take an unpredictable turn, confounding readers’ expectations. The cozy domestic setting and opening descriptions of Mary’s devotion to her husband suggest marital harmony. By lulling readers into a false sense of security, the narrative ensures that Mary Maloney’s murder of her husband is all the more unexpected.

Situational irony is also created by the seemingly mundane nature of the murder weapon. Like Mary, the frozen leg of lamb appears innocuous. It is, therefore, an amusingly appropriate weapon for a scorned wife when her offer of supper is rudely declined. Dahl evokes an absurd and darkly humorous visual image as Mary stands “for a while blinking at the body, still holding the ridiculous piece of meat tight with both hands” (26).

Dramatic irony arises when readers know something that the characters are unaware of. The device is used throughout the investigation of Mr. Maloney’s murder to create black humor. Dramatic irony is introduced when the blundering police officers treat Mary, the murderer of her husband, as a victim of the crime.