Chapter 4: Symbol and Irony
“Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl
Define the following Literary Terms associated with “Lamb to the Slaughter.” To
illustrate understanding of each term, provide a quotation or example from a story weʼve
previously read.
1. Irony (p.292):
Example from another story:
2. Verbal Irony (p. 292):
Example youʼve heard:
3. Situational Irony (p.293):
Example from another story:
4. Dramatic Irony (p.293):
Example from another story:
5. Ambiguity (Ambiguous) (p.1049):
6. Allusion (p.1049)
Quick Write: Have you ever heard a situation described as “like a lamb to the
slaughter”? The saying comes from the Bible, which describes many lambs used as
sacrifices. Roald Dahl chose that biblical allusion, or reference as the title of his story.
Knowing that, what do you think this story might be about? Free write about some
possibilities.
“Lamb to the Slaughter”
Dramatic & Situational Irony
As you read Roald Dahl’s short story “Lamb to the Slaughter,” keep track of instances of
Situational Irony and Dramatic Irony. Identify at least four examples of each type of irony.
Record an example by listing the page number and an appropriate quotation from the situation.
Situational Irony occurs when something
that happens is the opposite of what we
would normally expect or would think
appropriate.
Dramatic Irony occurs when the reader or
audience knows something important that
some or all of the characters do not.
Example: A woman who was dreading going
to a dinner party ends of finding her true
love.
Example: In “Two Kinds,” the reader knows
that Jing-Mei is purposely playing the
wrong piano notes but Mr. Chong, her deaf
piano teacher, does not realize it.
Page
Page
Example: Situational Irony
Example: Dramatic Irony