Skip to Main Content

A-Z SHORT STORIES

Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl
A pregnant woman, Mary Maloney, gets her husband a drink when he comes home from work. He needs a little time before he’s ready to talk. Tonight, he drinks more than usual. She wants to fix him something to eat, but he doesn’t want anything. The mood is a bit tense. He has something important to tell her.

Related Links

Lesson: Questions & Activities More stories by Dahl Review
Plot & Character Analysis   Close Reading Activity

Video

Lamb to the Slaughter - 1958 Version

This episode from the original Alfred Hitchcock Presents American television series was special to both the director and Dahl. Hitchcock is said to have regarded it as his favourite achievement in television, while Dahl wrote the teleplay.

Lamb to the Slaughter - 1979 Version

This episode from the Tales Of The Unexpected British television series includes a personal introduction by Roald Dahl. In it, Dahl relates how the idea for the story came from fellow author Ian Fleming of James Bond series fame after they were both served a tough leg of lamb at dinner.