Lamb to the Slaughter

LESSON - Idioms

DEFINITION

An idiom is a common word or phrase which means something different from its literal meaning but can be understood because of their popular use.

Check out this website dedicated to idioms!

Titles in short stories sometimes use idioms as a means of providing a hidden message or foreshadowing what will take place (look back at the titles of the other short stories you have read).

SETTING

Before reading the story, take a look at this REAL Housewive's handbook from 1955.

LESSON - Irony: Dramatic (in on a secret)

Definition of Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is an important stylistic device that is commonly found in plays, movies, theatres, and sometimes in poetry. Storytellers use this irony as a useful plot device for creating situations in which the audience knows more about the situations, the causes of conflicts, and their resolutions before the leading characters or actors. That is why readers observe that the speech of actors takes on unusual meanings.

For instance, the audience knows that a character is going to be murdered, or will make a decision to commit suicide; however, one particular character or others may not be aware of these facts. Hence, the words and actions of characters would suggest a different meaning to the audience from what they indicate to the characters and the story. Thus, it creates intense suspense and humor. This speech device also emphasizes, embellishes, and conveys emotions and moods more effectively.

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LESSON - Flat vs Round Characters