What does General Zaroff say is the most dangerous game, and why does he hunt it?

What rules does Zaroff give Rainsford for the “game”?

Zaroff believes he’s being "civilized" while hunting humans. How does the story show that this idea is twisted or wrong?

How do Rainsford’s feelings about hunting change from the beginning to the end? What lesson do you think he learns?

At the beginning of the text, how does Dahl describe Mary’s characteristics? What textual evidence does the author use to describe Mary and her house in order to achieve this effect?

Although the reader is not told specifically, what news do you think Patrick has for Mary? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

How does Mary’s behavior at the grocery shop contradict what has happened earlier in the story? Why is her visit to the grocery shop an important piece of the story?

The police officers do not suspect Mary for the murder. How does her behavior play a role in assuring this didn’t happen? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

What is ironic about the end of the story? Cite the evidence from the story that foreshadows this event.

What is the narrative point of view of the story?

Describe the main conflict in the story. What type of conflict is this?

What is the theme of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

Why did Billy decide to trust the landlady? Explain. Cite at least two examples from the story in your answer. 

At what point in the story did you realize what the landlady intended to do to Billy? Explain your answer. 

What is the tone of the story? How does it shift as the story goes on?

Do you think the story would be as creepy if we knew exactly what the landlady was doing to her guests? Why or why not?

What message or theme might Dahl be trying to share about trust or appearances?

How does the landlady describe her past guests? Why is this important?

Why does Tom choose to stay home instead of going to the movies with his wife? What does this decision reveal about his character or priorities?

What is the "yellow sheet of paper," and why is it so important to Tom? How does this object symbolize something larger in his life?

How does the author show that Tom is becoming more obsessed with his work? Cite one detail or moment that shows this.

Why do you think the author includes the detail about the paper flying out the window? How does this moment shift the story’s tone or direction?

How is the setting (his apartment) used to build tension even before Tom goes out on the ledge? What descriptions help build that mood?

What does Tom's internal debate before going out the window tell us about him? Is he being brave, foolish, or something else?

How would you describe the tone of Part 1 — calm, anxious, intense? Why?
Use one quote to back up your answer.

What physical and emotional challenges does Tom face while he’s on the ledge? How do these challenges change him?

How does the author use sensory details (like sight, sound, and touch) to increase suspense? Give one specific example.

Why does Tom start to panic, and how does he fight through it? What does this show about his character development?

What does Tom realize about his life and priorities while he's stuck outside? How is this different from how he felt in Part 1?

Why is it significant that Tom risks his life to break back into the apartment instead of calling for help? What does this decision say about him by the end?

What is ironic about the ending, when the paper flies out the window again? What message might the author be sending with this moment?

How does the experience on the ledge change the way Tom views success and work? Use one detail from the story to support your answer.

Why do you think Norma becomes obsessed with the button? What does this tell you about her values or personality?

How does the story explore the theme of selfishness or greed? Use one moment in the story as evidence.

What do you think the author is saying about “moral choices” through the twist ending? How does it affect your view of Norma?

What is the effect of the twist ending on the reader? Why do you think Matheson chose to end it this way?

Do you think Norma believed the offer was real, or was she just curious? How does her belief (or doubt) play into her actions?

How might the story change if Arthur had been the one more tempted to press the button? What would that say about relationships and trust?

What does the story suggest about how well we really know other people Think about the final line: “Do you really think you knew your husband?”

Why is Madame Loisel unhappy at the beginning of the story?

Why does she borrow a necklace from Madame Forestier?

How does Madame Loisel’s desire for wealth and status affect her decisions? What does this show about her character or values?

Do you think Madame Loisel would have been happier if she had been honest about losing the necklace? Why or why not?

How does the author use the necklace as a symbol in the story? What could it represent about appearances vs. reality?

How would you describe Madame Loisel’s attitude toward her life before the ball? After the ball? What changes and why?

Do you think the reader is supposed to feel sorry for Madame Loisel? Why or why not? Support your answer with a detail from the story.

What message or lesson do you think the author is trying to teach through Madame Loisel’s experience?