Setting

In this section of the study guide, we discuss the setting of “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl.

Time setting

Written in 1953, the short story could easily depict events that might have taken place around the 1950s, during the time of the publishing. We can easily assume this because no indication about the time setting is given, but also because the overall relationship dynamics between Mary and Patrick is typical of the 1950s. During that time – particularly in America – the general image was that women were supposed to act like the perfect housewives, always looking pretty and doing everything possible to please their husbands. Also, keep in mind that the action spans over the course of a few hours, from five o’clock (the time Patrick arrived home) to nine o’clock (the time when Mary invites the policemen to dinner).

Physical setting

Although the exact...