Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band

Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band are two very different examples of murder mysteries. Describe some of the ways in which they are different and some of the ways in which they are the same. How is language used by the authors to create an atmosphere of suspense that makes you want to read more?

Created by Damaris Revell

J Everyone will answer this question
] Most pupils will answer this question
q Some pupils will answer this question

First paragraph (remember to indent paragraphs/write in sentences)

J	Who wrote Lamb to the Slaughter? When was it first published?
]	What sort of stories is he famous for writing?
q	What sort of people does he write about in his stories for adults?

Second paragraph

J	Who wrote The Speckled Band? When was it first published?
]	What is the name of the famous detective in all his stories?
q	What do you already know about this detective?

Third paragraph

J	Who is the victim in Lamb to the Slaughter?
]	How do we know that things are not right?
q	Give a detailed example of his behaviour that shows that he is going to give his wife the bad news. Give as many examples as you can of clues which show that something is about to happen.

Fourth paragraph

J	Who is the victim in The Speckled Band.
]	How is she described when we see her first in the story?
q	Put in a quotation which shows how terrified she is.

Fifth paragraph

J	Describe the murderer in Lamb to the Slaughter. (Put in a quotation to describe her)
]	What is her motive for murder (why does she do it)?
q	Why doesn't she want to be caught? Do you feel any sympathy for her?

Sixth paragraph

J	Describe the murderer in Lamb to the Slaughter. (Put in a quotation to describe him)
]	What is his motive for murder (why does he do it)?
q	Do you feel any sympathy for this murderer? How do you respond to him?

Seventh paragraph

J	Describe the setting in Lamb to the Slaughter. (Put in a quotation to describe the living room and the atmosphere Mary has created)
]	How do you respond to the atmosphere Mary has created?
q	Do you feel any sympathy for the victim wanting to leave her?

Eighth paragraph

J	Describe the setting of the old house in The Speckled Band. (Put in a quotation to describe it)
]	How do you feel about the atmosphere of this house?
q	What other details are there in this story that add to the atmosphere of evil and horror?

Ninth paragraph

J	Describe the murderer in Lamb to the Slaughter. (Put in a quotation to describe him)
]	What is his motive for murder (why does he do it)?
q	Do you feel any sympathy for this murderer?

Tenth paragraph

J	What do the detectives not do in Lamb to the Slaughter?
]	What things do the detectives do that they shouldn't do?
q	Can you find a quotation that makes the detectives look "sloppy"?

Eleventh paragraph

J	What does the detective do in The Speckled Band?
]	How does he do this (refer to clues and suspects)
q	How do you feel about the detective's ability? Did you work out the clues yourself?

Twelfth paragraph

J	What happens to the murderer in Lamb to the Slaughter. How do you feel about this?
]	Is this what usually happens in a murder mystery?
q	What else is different about this murder mystery?

Thirteenth paragraph

J	What happens to the murderer in The Speckled Band. (How do you feel about this?)
]	Is this what usually happens in a murder mystery?
q	How do you like murder mysteries to end?

Fourteenth paragraph

J	Which part of Lamb to the Slaughter did you find most exciting?
]	Put in a quotation which made you want to carry on reading.
q	Can you give an example of another exciting part (and another quotation?)

Fifteenth paragraph

J	Which part of The Speckled Band did you find most exciting?
]	Put in a quotation which made you want to carry on reading.
q	Can you give an example of another exciting part (and another quotation?)

Sixteenth paragraph

J	How do you know that The Speckled Band is set in Victorian times?
J	How can you tell that Lamb to the Slaughter is set in the 1950s?
]	Do you think it's unusual that there are no female detectives in these stories?

Conclusion

J	Which story did you like best? Why??
]	Why will people always like to read murder mysteries?