Comparing Lamb To The Slaughter And My Oedipus Complex

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Roald Dahl's short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” and Frank O’Connor’s “My Oedipus Complex” foreshadows the dynamic between male and female communication in an emotive manner, and thus reveals the unusual nature of the human existence. This is therefore examined through juxtaposition, dramatic irony, symbolism and tones of voice between characters, allowing the audience to visualise the complexity between the two genders: male and female.

Roald Dahl’s short story captures an emotive approach on the binary between male and female communication, thus exploring the complexity of human nature. Male and female stereotypes are strongly depicted in the text through the use of language where men are forward and direct their assertiveness onto others. …show more content…

In addition, the child’s jealousy of his father’s relationship with his mother is further highlighted in “Do be quiet, Larry!…Don’t you hear me talking to Daddy” He becomes frustrated at her impatient tone and grows jealous,”This was the first time I had heard those ominous words, ‘talking to Daddy.’ His envious and spiteful tone as well as the use of the word ‘ominous’ tells the reader that he seeks a need to protect as well as be desired by his mother, which ultimately leads to a perverted and distorted sense of love for her. His desire for her is further expressed in “It was clear that she genuinely liked talking to Father better than talking to me, or else that he had some terrible hold on her which made her afraid to admit the truth.” This exhibits his clear jealousy over his parents relationship and further emphasises the complexity of human nature between children and parents. His adoration for his mother increases rapidly as he retaliates against his fathers command “Shut up, you!” His angry tone indicates

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