Lamb to the Slaughter: Theme Presentation

By: Cole K, Emad S, Oday G.

The author

The author of a story can effect the theme in many ways. The author could put surprise twists or weird coincidences that change the whole theme of the story. In the case of “Lamb to the Slaughter” the author offers surprise twist endings and strange event to conceal the theme until the end of the story.

The Title

The title can tell the reader many things about the them. Using background knowledge and clues the title gives you the reader can infer what the theme may be. In this story the tile tells us that Lamb, meaning gentle or nice, and slaughter, blood or death, there may be a complex theme.

The Setting

The setting also tells us many things about the theme of the story. Depending on the time period or place the theme could change greatly. In this story it takes place in the 1950’s were wives took care of their husbands and didn’t argue. If this was not the case the story would be SO different.

Main Character

The main character is the basis of the theme of the story. Depending on the main character and their personality traits one event could have a million different themes. In the story “Lamb to the Slaughter” the character changes and changes the theme along with her. From Loving house wife, to manipulative murder.

Plot

The plot essentially makes or breaks the theme depending on the climax, the exposition, and the resolution many stories can have different themes. In “Lamb to the Slaughter” the plot is everything. You need to know so much about the plot in order to know what's going on.

The Theme

Although the story “Lamb to the Slaughter” can have many themes we decided the best theme would be “Looks can be deceiving.” We think this because the main character, the wife, seems very innocent to the authorities. But she really is a murder.