Topic:  Write an expository paragraph explaining what is really happening in the story, “The Landlady” or write an expository paragraph about what happens next, in the plot of the story. What are the clues that point us in the right direction?

“The Landlady” with British Accent

Plot Mountain! | The Plot Diagram Song | Scratch Garden

Roald Dahl | Lamb to the Slaughter – Full audiobook with text (AudioEbook)

Situational irony: The opposite of what you think – Christopher Warner

Literary Focus:  Two Kinds of Irony

“Lamb to the Slaughter” contains two kinds of irony. The use of irony upsets our expectations of how the story will turn out, yet it leaves a memorable impression. Situational irony occurs when an event in a story turns out to be exact opposite of what the reader had expected. In dramatic irony the reader knows something important that one or more of the characters don’t know.​

  • ​Look for the story events that lead to situational irony. Ask yourself: “Which story events are expected? Which are unexpected?”​
  • As the story progresses, you are “in on” information that some story characters are not. Look to see how this situation creates dramatic irony. 
 
Extending Opportunity:  
Create an Irony Chart​ including passages/quotes and how the passages create irony. 
 
Topic: Write an I PEE PEE C paragraph that explains how important the use of irony is to the plot of the story.
 
sample position:  To set the tone for this sinister story, Dahl infuses his writing with dramatic and situational irony.
Handouts: