Stereotypes In Lamb To The Slaughter

“In Like a Lamb, out Like a Lion”
In the short story “Lamb to the Slaughter”, Roald Dahl establishes how stereotypes can create dogmatic mindsets (in situations where an open mind is needed), is a significant theme throughout the story. The story revolves around how Patrick O’Malley (Mary’s then-husband) divorces Mary Maloney and expects that “there needn’t really be any fuss” and how “It wouldn’t be very good for my (his) job” (12,13). He supposes she take it as if he were saying “good morning”, not even considering her distress, as he lets his chauvinistic tendencies shine through. From this passage, we conclude how Patrick stereotypes women as submissive procreators; but nevertheless, Mary feels and is overcome with emotion. Correspondingly, Mary is speechless and expresses her feelings violently by striking the back of Patrick’s

skull with a frozen leg of lamb.

Using her fabricated fable, vulnerable position, and food and drink, she attempts to bring the officers to take her word for it- and succeeds. According to one of the detectives, she “... acted quite normal… very cheerful… wanted to give him a good supper… peas… cheesecake… impossible that she…” (16). Not to gloat, but women are just as capable of committing a murder as men are; the detectives had their proof, and doubts, as the murder scene seemed too perfect (as well as the hit) and they almost discovered the murder weapon, but again, the stereotypes of women being “quiet and harmless” came into play. Even after bringing in detective after detective (who are all men) and a crowd of officers, and after inspecting her home for possible weapons, they did not find anything, but still realize something is off. They almost discover the murder weapon cooking in the oven, but conniving Ms. Maloney coaxes the officers into eating the murder weapon; the very thing that killed their

comrade being right under their noses. Ironically, the detectives believe Mary’s story but doubt remains in their minor conversation at the dinner table:
... ‘Whoever done it, they’re not going to be carrying a thing like that around (the murder weapon) with them longer than they need’…
‘Personally, I think it’s right under our noses.’
‘What do you think, Jack?’ (18).
Accordingly, this exchange is concerning the placement of the murder weapon and exactly what was used to commit the crime. The detectives suspect it is right under their noses, however Mary’s concocted image / the detectives’ stereotypes on women blind them from the truth, served literally right in front of them.
As has been noted, Mary transforms from the meek little lamb, into an alarmingly uninhibited shepherdess.