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How Is Irony Used In Lamb To The Slaughter

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A common theme found in almost any crime-related genre of literature is figurative elements such as irony, characterization, and symbolism. Using such elements in literature allows the author to help the reader understand the message they are trying to describe. Susan Glaspell's Trifles and Roald Dahl's "Lamb to the slaughter" Have many similarities in their use of figurative language. The figurative elements that both stories share are characterization, symbolism, and irony. First, Trifles and "Lamb to the Slaughter" share similar symbolism. One instance of symbolism in Trifles is the connection between Mrs. Wright and the bird. The imprisonment of the bird in the birdcage symbolizes Minnie Wright's imprisonment in her marriage and the oppression of her freedom, and the bird's death represents Minnie losing her only source of companionship. Additionally, In "Lamb to the Slaughter," an instance of symbolism would be between Mary Maloney and the lamb itself. Lambs are considered innocent, docile animals …show more content…

In "Lamb to the slaughter," one of the police officers that are eating the lamb states," Probably right under our very noses." (Dahl 386). In the story, the officers are looking for a conventional weapon, such as a steel club, used to murder Patrick Maloney. However, the lamb they are eating is the weapon they are looking for, making the officer's statement an example of verbal irony. Verbal irony is saying something that ultimately has a different meaning. Furthermore, an example of irony in Trifles can be found at the end of the story when the women decide to hide the evidence from the men. This decision is an example of situational irony, as the situation's outcome differs from the expected outcome of them giving the evidence to the men. Both of these instances are examples of the use of irony in the story to create suspense and better emphasize the theme of both

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