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Lamb To The Slaughter Character Analysis Essay

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There are many moments in life that alter and change someone’s personality and character, from losing a game to a valuable possession. These situations are shown in the story “Lamb to the Slaughter”. Mrs. Maloney’s character is changed when Mr. Maloney decides to leave her with her six month baby. The author shows this change with precise language and dialogue. Before Patrick’s big reveal, Mary still desires to be the “perfect wife”. Mary constantly offers to help him once he gets home. She says, “Would you like me to get you some cheese? I haven’t made any supper because it's thursday.” Even though he declines, Mary still insists. She tries to please her husband who she basically devoted her life to. She feels pleasant whenever her husband is home. This is it. Patrick has chosen his fate. Patrick tells Mary that he was …show more content…

She also changes right after the murder. “...how clear her mind became all of a sudden. She began thinking very fast. As the wife of a detective, she knew quite well what the penalty would be.” She realizes that Patrick does not matter to her anymore. Mary becomes cunning and deviant, thinking up the perfect alibi. She goes to the grocery shop, buys food for “dinner”, and uses Sam as an alibi. She then goes home and pretends that she came home to find him dead. Her personality changes completely, from being all sweet like sugar to clever like a fox. Another thing to point out is that Mary doesn’t seem remorseful at the end. “And in the other room, Mary Maloney began to giggle.” She does not feel heartbroken for the fate of her husband. All in all, Mrs. Maloney in “Lamb to the Slaughter” changes characters after Patrick reveals the truth to her. The author conveys this change with specific language and dialogue use. Before, she is the “wanna-be perfect wife”, and after, she has no care for her husband

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