Lamb to the Slaughter: Mary Maloney Character Analysis

Mary Maloney at the Start of the Story

1. How would you describe Mary at the beginning of the story? ¿Cómo describirías a Mary al comienzo de la historia?

There was a slow smiling air about her, and about everything she did. The drop of her head as she bent over her sewing was curiously tranquil. Her skin—for this was her sixth month with child—had acquired a wonderful translucent quality; the mouth was soft, and the eyes, with their new placid look, seemed larger and darker than before.

Mary's Feelings for Her Husband

2. In general, how does the woman feel about her husband? Do you think she is in love with him? Look for 3 things that show she is in love with him. En general, ¿cómo se siente la mujer con respecto a su esposo? ¿Crees que ella está enamorada de él? Busque 3 cosas que demuestren que ella está enamorada de él.

She is very much in love with Patrick. One of the things that proves it at the beginning of the story is that she looks forward to his arrival from work. Another thing that shows her love is the profound sadness caused by his death. Finally, another sign of her love is the affection she gives him and the fact that she does everything he asks.

Patrick Maloney's Treatment of Mary

3. How does her husband treat her? What do you think he told her? Why? ¿Cómo la trata su esposo? ¿Qué crees que le dijo? ¿Por qué?

Her husband does not pay much attention to her since he is no longer in love with her. He delivers the news in the most blunt way possible.

The Timing of the News

4. Why is it “a bad time to be telling” her the news? ¿Por qué es "un mal momento para contarle" la noticia?

Because she did not expect it at all, and the news felt devastating given her current state.

Mary's Immediate Reaction

5. What does Mary do after he tells her the news? ¿Qué hace María después de que él le cuenta la noticia?

Her first instinct was not to believe any of it and to reject the reality of the situation entirely.

The Significance of Her Pregnancy

6. Why is her pregnancy important in this part of the story? ¿Por qué es importante su embarazo en esta parte de la historia?

It is important because she is uncertain about what will happen to her or her unborn son if she is caught and sent to jail.

Behavior at the Grocery Store

7. What do you think about Mrs. Maloney’s behavior at the grocer’s? ¿Qué opinas sobre el comportamiento de la Sra. Maloney en la tienda de comestibles?

Mary behaves quite normally at the grocery store, successfully maintaining her alibi.

Detective Suspicion and the Perfect Murder

8. Do you think the detectives suspect Mrs. Maloney at all? ¿Crees que los detectives sospechan de la Sra. Maloney?

The detectives suspect nothing of her, since she conceals her guilt very well and appears to be very sad.

The Elements of a Perfect Murder

9. What makes this the perfect murder? ¿Qué hace que este sea el asesinato perfecto?

The murder is perfect because Mrs. Maloney conceals the evidence perfectly, making it impossible for the authorities to suspect her.

Irony and the Ending

10. What is ironic about the ending? What does Mary’s giggle mean? ¿Qué tiene de irónico el final? ¿Qué significa la risa de Mary?

The ending is ironic because one of the officers says that the weapon might be "right under our noses," while they are actually eating the murder weapon. Mary giggles because she has successfully disposed of the evidence by feeding it to the police.