Question

How did Dahl use Mary's THOUGHTS to characterize her

Answer 1

Answer:

Mary is carefully characterized from the opening lines of "Lamb to the Slaughter" as a woman whose entire life revolves around her husband. Even before her name is mentioned, it is clear that she has made the room warm and cozy and set out drinks and glasses in anticipation of his return. The first action she performs is to glance at the clock. Although Dahl says that she does this "without anxiety," his description makes it evident that she is waiting for the really important part of her day to begin. At a certain time, she begins to listen for the sounds of his car arriving. The rest of her calm, quiet existence is merely a preparation for the time she spends with Patrick.