“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a short story by Roald Dahl that was first published in the September 1953 issue of Harper’s magazine. The story is one of suspense with strong elements of the black humor for which the author is noted in his works for both adults and children. It was later included in Dahl’s short story collection Someone Like You which became a Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award winner in 1954. "Lamb to the Slaughter" was adapted for television twice: in 1958 for Alfred Hitchcock Presents for Dahl's own Tales of the Unexpected series in 1979.

Summary

Read an overview of the plot of "Lamb to the Slaughter."

Characters

See a complete Character List for "Lamb to the Slaughter," as well as in-depth analysis of its most important characters.

Literary Devices

Here's where you'll find analysis of the main ideas, themes, and other important literary tools employed by the author of "Lamb to the Slaughter."

Quotes

Read a variety of important quotes from "Lamb to the Slaughter" as well as explanations of them.

Further Study

Go further in your study of "Lamb to the Slaughter" with background information about its author and the times in which it was written.

Take a Study Break