Kylie Masshardt Essays - Fiction, Humanities, Literature

Kylie Masshardt Essays - Fiction, Humanities, Literature Kylie Masshardt October 1st, 2017 Aice English Language Dr.Brooks Bon Apatite In the short story "Lamb to the Slaughter" written by Roald Dahl, we watch the unexpected murder in a classic' 1950's couple, unfold and shatter the stereotypes placed on the men and women of that time. Dahl utilizes multiple literary devices to express his purpose to the reader. Through the use of vivid details, the reader is forced to look beyond the surface and find the true meaning of the story. Not only does the author utilize an immense amount of detail when explaining and describing the story, but he often exemplifies ironic situations, giving an even deeper, darker twist, on an already gruesome story. Vivid details, ironic situations, and a constant contrast between "light-and-dark" or "good-and-evil," enables the author to clearly and precisely portray the dark and manipulative tone to the audience. The author writes with a purpose to abolish any stereotypes thought to be true about a man or women in the 1950's, through the meticulous utilization of these literary devices. Dahls repetitive use of vivid and descriptive details enables the reader to look beyond the surface and elicit a deeper meaning from the story. Not only does this progress the story in the fact that it now gives various words a connotative meaning, but it also allows room for the reader to think and elaborate on Dahls ideas expressed in the passage. This ability for the audience to connect and further the ideas presented by Dahl, grows the connection between the reader and the passage; furthermore, strengthening Dahls purpose and persuasion on the audience. Multiple times throughout the story, Dahl references Mary Maloney's "large []dark eyes." He does this once at the beginning of the story when explaining Mary's behavior as she waits for her husband to arrive home from work. Here giving her "large" eyes a more innocent connotation. Attention is drawn back to her "large, dark eyes" once again in paragraph 17 right before Mr. Maloney delivers the news of their separation. One could i nterpret this as a way to indicate a shift in tone, meaning that Mrs. Maloney is no longer as innocent as once perceived, but yet she is rather deranged in a way. Her "large, dark eyes" are mentioned one last time before the close of the story, right before she feeds the officers the same lamb that she killed her husband with. The utilization of vivid and descriptive details, allow for the reader to draw these connections rather than dealing with only the vague details of a story. Another device that can often be picked out in piece, is Dahls constant use of ironic situations. Many times, in literature, irony plays a key role in the progression and depth of a story. Dahl uses it as such. A prevalent example of irony in the passage is the feeding of the murder weapon to the policemen. Common knowledge suggests that police officers are inquisitive, analytical, and attentive to detail, advocating that had the killer or the weapon been in sight, they would know. Yet in the passage the policemen have a few drinks, becoming less invested in figuring out what had happened to Mr. Maloney, eventually leading up to the consumption of the murder weapon. Moreover, as the policemen enjoyed the rack of lamb (the murder weapon) they continue to talk over the case trying to rationalize any idea of what may have happened to the murder weapon, " I think the weapon is near the house." "Personally, I think it's right under our noses." These two lines from dialogue between the off icers is what creates the dramatic irony. In conclusion, the dark-and-twisted story about the horrific murder between a 1950's couple, "Lamb to the Slaughter" exemplifies many literary techniques. Through the meticulous and clever use of detail, irony, and contrast the reader is able to look beyond the surface, draw connections, and fully understand the authors purpose, as well as identify the shattering of any stereotypes placed on men and women of that time.