Themes and message

The main theme explored in “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl is deception, combined with the idea of the perfect crime. The theme of deception is vital, as nothing in the story is, in fact, as it initially seems. The author’s message is to pay close attention to everyone around you, as it is very easy to put your trust in a person who does not want your well-being.

Deception

The theme of deception encompasses the entire story, as all the characters either deceive others or are deceived. What is more, even the initial setting of the story is deceiving, as the harmonious dynamics between spouses transform and take a dramatic turn.

First of all, the setting in which Mary finds herself is deceptive. She is portrayed as a loving pregnant woman who dearly awaits the return of her husband from work. Her innocent look is carefully depicted by the narrator in such a manner that readers are deceived by it:

There was a slow smiling air about her, and about everyt...