The title of this story by Roald Dahl may have a clever double meaning. On the one hand, we have a woman who uses a lamb, or rather a frozen leg of lamb, to kill her husband. On the other, it may relate to the English idiom “Like a lamb to the Slaughter”. This would lead to the question: Which of the characters (the husband, the wife or both) could be described as someone going calmly about their business, not knowing that something very unpleasant is about to happen to them? Themes include betrayal, identity/gender stereotyping, injustice and revenge.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (3,600 words)
Video Versions
1979 Video Version: This episode from the Tales Of The Unexpected British television series includes a personal introduction by Roald Dahl. In it, Dahl relates how the idea for the story came from fellow author Ian Fleming of James Bond series fame after they were both served a tough leg of lamb at dinner. Watch and enjoy!
1958 Video Version: This episode from the original Alfred Hitchcock Presents American television series was special to both the director and Dahl. Hitchcock is said to have regarded it as his favorite achievement in television, while Dahl wrote the teleplay. Watch and enjoy!