Both Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band shares Essay Example

the story appears to be unusual or mysterious, particularly when we learn about a vow of secrecy being made.

The reader is left wondering about the identity of the young lady in the story and the cause of her intense fear. She is described as being "in a considerable state of excitement" and her black attire and veil only add to the reader's curiosity. The mood and atmosphere indicate that something terrible is on the horizon, creating a stark contrast with the ominous and dark mood of the opening in "Lamb to the Slaughter." Both openings generate tension and unanswered questions, such as Mr. Maloney's anxiety and the mystery surrounding the young lady.

The two openings have a difference in that "The Speckled Band" seems like a typical detective story while "Lamb to the Slaughter" does not. In "The Speckled Band," the story is more intriguing from the start due to its greater level of mystery. Witnessing the murder in "Lamb to the Slaughter" affects readers, making them wonder if the murderer will be caught. A comparison between Mary Maloney's and Dr. Roylott's physical appearances reveals stark contrasts. Mrs. Maloney possesses feminine features such as "placid" eyes, a soft mouth, translucent skin, and "a slow smiling air about her." Furthermore, Mrs. Maloney is currently six months pregnant.

Mary appears to be an extremely feminine and appealing woman who exudes a sense of tranquility, amiability, and gentleness. Her femininity is accentuated by her engaged sewing and wait for her husband's arrival from work. Mary's gestures of going forward to kiss her husband upon his return, preparing a drink for him, and offering to fetch his slippers epitomize her role

as a caring and affectionate wife. Mrs.

Maloney appears to be a typical housewife, highly domesticated and deeply attached to her home, as evidenced by her statement "the room was clean." The way Mrs. Maloney behaves around her husband can be seen as pathetic, and the reader is presented with numerous positive descriptions. However, Mrs. Maloney deviates from the stereotypical villain, as her role as the murderer is unexpected. When her husband declares his intention to leave, Mary seems unwilling to accept it, initially disbelieving his words as her first instinct.

When her husband shouts at her, Mrs. Maloney reacts impulsively and in the heat of the moment kills him. It is clear that the murder is not premeditated. However, following the act, Mrs. Maloney undergoes a transformation and becomes clever, calm, and composed. She acknowledges that she has taken a life but accepts it by telling herself, "all right...I've killed him." Recognizing the need for an alibi, she rehearses her future actions and words. When the police arrive, she effectively portrays grief and distress, despite her deep love for her husband. Inside, she experiences a mixture of emotions, including love and longing for him alongside immense sorrow over his death.

This paragraph highlights the depth of Mrs. Maloney's love for her husband and suggests that his murder was a crime driven by passionate emotion. She cleverly charms the police officers by utilizing her femininity, leading them to be doting towards her. In an attempt to create a sense of camaraderie, she requests a drink of whiskey, hoping that the guards would partake as well. Moreover, she employs flattery to manipulate the guards further. This cunning behavior, coupled

with her amusement at the end of the story upon realizing that she has successfully evaded punishment, portrays Mrs. Maloney as more of a criminal figure. Despite this portrayal, the narrative also allows us to glimpse into her private thoughts, ensuring that she does not entirely lose our sympathy.

Especially after discovering her motive for not turning herself in is to protect her baby, Mrs. Maloney emerges as a multifaceted character who evolves throughout the story. Roald Dahl attempts to elicit sympathy and gain the readers' support for her. In contrast, Dr. Roylott is depicted as the complete opposite, evident not only through his physical appearance but also his personality.

Dr Roylott's appearance is distinctive and peculiar. He is tall and wide, with a long pointed nose and a large face adorned with countless wrinkles. Sun exposure has given his face a yellowish hue, resembling burned skin. His eyes are deep and characterized as bile set, hinting at his anger. Perhaps owing to his mixed social status, he dons a black top hat along with a long frock coat and high gaiters, while holding a hunting crop in his hand. These combined attire choices dually evoke images of wealth and field work, further enhancing his oddness. A quote that highlights the stark contrast between the two characters mentions Roylott's face being "marked with every evil passion." Additionally, he is likened to a fiery old bird of prey through the use of a simile, implying his relentless pursuit of killing or attacking his victims.

Roylott, unlike Mary Maloney, is an exceedingly angry and unattractive individual. Although we encounter Dr. Roylott later in the story, it is revealed that he

possesses an unpleasant appearance and displays behavior that contrasts starkly with that of Mary Maloney. Additionally, we learn that he had previously killed a man and inflicts harm upon his stepdaughter, as evidenced by the observation of "five little vivid spots" on Helen's wrist made by Holmes. When Roylott returns to England, he is described as a "morose and disappointed man," indicating his state of misery and bitterness. Notably, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle delves into this anger through the portrayal of Roylott's "violence of temper approaching mania," emphasizing his propensity for violence and lack of control.

He is known as the "terror of the village" because he fights with the people there. However, when Roylott moves back to the village and becomes a hermit, he undergoes a noticeable change. He now appears to be a ferocious and short-tempered man who is full of quartiles. This character is more likely to be seen as a villain.

He is an unusual individual and allowing gypsies, who were dreaded during the Victorian era, as well as exotic animals, to freely wander around his property contributes to this peculiarity. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle skillfully portrays this eccentric man, making him appear even more intriguing and vibrant. Upon their initial encounter, Roylott demonstrates a lack of dignity. The manner in which he forcefully opens the door, his aggressive manner of speaking, his furious screams, his shaking of the hunting crop towards Holmes, and his use of derogatory language all enhance the perception of Roylott's anger.

Roylott describes Holmes as a "dangerous man" and demonstrates this by bending the poker and tossing it into the fire. Unlike Mary, who lacks a motive, Roylott's

intentions derive from his greed and wealth. In contrast to Mary, he meticulously plans the killings by manipulating bell ropes, vents, scaffolding, and training a snake to respond to a whistle. He goes to great extremes to execute the murders, exhibiting patience and cunning. However, Mary's narrative appears much more plausible.

Dr Roylott is not a complex character, and we do not sympathize with him because his private thoughts are not revealed to us. In the stories, there are two detectives who are very contrasting. Sherlock Holmes resided in London, which was a destitute setting during that period. Murder, prostitution, alcoholism, and drug abuse were prevalent and highly dangerous. The police force appeared to be ineffective and corrupt, as they started accepting bribes. The Victorians frequently criticized them.

That is why Sherlock Holmes became such a beloved figure in popular culture. People were drawn to the idea of a detective who possessed the ability to solve every case and who always upheld goodness, never succumbing to evil. Sherlock, though an amateur detective, took offense at being referred to as a police officer, as evidenced by Holmes' statement: "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official detective force!" Sherlock embodies the characteristics of a typical detective - intelligent, resourceful, and serving as a symbol of heroism - which is why he garnered immense admiration. The story centers around him, highlighting his dedication to his work, even going as far as putting himself in perilous situations.

The way Sir Arthur Conan Doyle portrays Holmes in his stories is as a gentleman who has a somewhat demeaning and stereotypical view of women, treating them as feeble. However,

Doyle's characterization seems to align with the expectations of Victorian society. Holmes is presented as a superhero-like figure who knows what the Victorians desire. This depiction creates a stark contrast to reality. Unlike many others, Holmes is not motivated by money but rather by his passion for his profession. He even states that his reward is the satisfaction he derives from doing his job. This selfless attitude makes him highly respected by readers, as he is not driven by greed or personal gain.

The story is developed by Holmes, who, despite his professionalism, displays concern for the young woman. He reassures her gently by patting her forearm, demonstrating his gentlemanly nature. Holmes' observant character is evident when he accurately deduces how Helen traveled to him, stating "you have come in by train in this morning." He considers his profession as his sole reward, informing Helen that he is willing to take on her case even if she lacks funds, with the understanding that she can reimburse him at her convenience. Furthermore, Holmes exhibits precision and attentiveness by urging her to provide precise details: "pray be precise to detail."

Despite his dissatisfaction with the ambiguity, he possesses a sharp and thorough mind unlike Jack Noonan. Upon observing the bruises on Helen's wrist, he intuitively deduces that her stepfather is the culprit, stating "you are shielding your stepfather". Notably composed and rapid in his actions, Holmes maintains his composure even in the face of Roylott's yelling and threats, refraining from any reactionary response.

Holmes maintains his composure and remains unfazed in the face of provocation, displaying a calm demeanor. Additionally, he efficiently seizes the opportunity to retrieve the will immediately

after Helen's departure. In contrast, Jack Noonan exhibits a significantly different approach, characterized by inefficiency and carelessness. Unlike Holmes, he does not prioritize his job as seriously. When tasked with investigating the murder, he readily accepts her story without hesitation. Furthermore, he allows Mrs Maloney to stay with them during the investigation, neglecting the fact that she should have been considered one of the primary suspects.

When she shares her story, the authorities verify her alibi as part of their standard protocol, although not out of genuine interest. They fail to dig deeper and appear to overlook Mary as a suspect, despite the significance of considering everyone in a case. Noonan deems it "impossible" for Mary to have been murdered due to her femininity and gender. Throughout the investigation, Mary, the primary suspect, remains unsuspected and receives benevolent treatment. Noonan's conduct appears highly unprofessional.

It appears that Roald Dahl has a negative portrayal of Noonan and the police force, depicting them as unintelligent and careless. Dahl suggests a lack of respect for the police force through his characterization. Noonan presents Mrs Maloney with the option to stay with his wife or sister, giving her a potential opportunity to escape. Additionally, Noonan disregards the rules by consuming alcohol while on duty, acknowledging that it is not permitted but choosing to do so anyway, stating "It's not strictly allowed, but I might just have a drop to keep me going". Unlike Noonan, Holmes establishes boundaries and limitations, as he remains suspicious of everyone.

Both writers utilize their detective characters to portray the Victorian perception of the police force. Holmes showcases extraordinary intellect, while the police force is depicted as homogeneous

and slow-witted. In "Lamb to the Slaughter," the story takes place in an American suburb within a household. The characters Noonan and Maloney, both bearing Irish surnames, imply a 1950s setting, as it was common for Irish individuals to immigrate to America or have Irish ancestry.

The text implies that the time period of the story can be determined by Mrs. Maloney's role as a homemaker, as she stays at home and takes care of her husband. This is evident from her actions of ensuring the house is clean and warm, as well as engaging in solitary activities like sewing. The police, upon investigating the murder, show concern for Mary's ability to take care of herself and offer her accommodations elsewhere. In contrast, "The Speckled Band" is set in either the 1880s or the late 19th century, as indicated by details such as the mode of transportation being a "dog-cart".

The attire of Miss Stoner is another indication. She is dressed entirely in black and wearing a veil, implying that she is in mourning. This was a customary practice in Victorian era when someone close or a family member passed away. The lack of independence for middle-class women during Victorian times resulted in the perception of all women being weak. This perspective is evident in both stories. Helen was denied her inheritance until she married, and once she did, all her possessions and rights became her husband's.

Despite not being allowed to live alone, she had to stay with a relative on the night of the murder attempt, which required her to be "removed to some place of shelter." Stoke Moran, where she ended up, was completely different

from the Maloney's house. It was a peculiar and somewhat frightening place, lacking any sense of security. The presence of untamed Indian animals and "vagabonds" wandering freely on the grounds deepened this eerie atmosphere. Gypsies were particularly feared during the Victorian era, adding to the overall strangeness. The setting itself was also dark and sinister, as indicated by phrases like "Gathering Darkness" and "all was dark in the direction of the Manor house."

The animals and darkness contribute to the tension in the setting, which is an old and extremely old-fashioned house with windows blocked by shutters and iron bars. This detail suggests a prison-like or unpleasant environment. The setting in "The Speckled Band" adheres to the characteristics of a typical murder story, while "Lamb to the Slaughter" deviates from this as we know the murderer from the beginning. The cozy atmosphere in Maloney's house helps establish Mary's alibi and makes it highly improbable that she is the killer. In "The Speckled Band," pathetic fallacies are employed, such as the distant sound of the parish clock's dark tones, which boom out...

"Lamb to the Slaughter" and "The Speckled Band" have different structures and narrative techniques. While the former follows a chronological sequence, unfolding events from the beginning, the latter is retrospective, looking back at past events. This is evident when the writer mentions, "It was early in April in the year '83".

"The Speckled Band" adheres to the classical traditional "whodunnit" format, keeping the identity of the murderer hidden until the end. Conversely, "Lamb to the Slaughter" deviates from this format as it reveals the murderer's identity and presents the act of murder upfront.

In "Lamb to the Slaughter,"

there is an initial build-up of suspense and tension, but because we know the murder was not committed for evil reasons and we are sympathetic towards the murderer, it may not be as gripping. On the other hand, in "The Speckled Band," the reader is invested in finding out if Roylott will kill Helen and whether or not they will discover his role as the murderer. Consequently, the narrative in "The Speckled Band" is more captivating.

"The Speckled Bands" has a longer structure and organization compared to "Lamb to the Slaughter". During the time "The Speckled Band" was written, reading was highly popular, and those who possessed the skill had ample time to engage in reading. However, when "Lamb to the Slaughter" was written, television had become the latest craze, leading to a diminished interest in lengthy novels. In both stories, the reader is tasked with unraveling certain clues such as the reason behind Helen Stoner's peril, as well as identifying both the culprit and motive for killing her sister.

The stories use red herrings to mislead the reader. For instance, in "Lamb to the Slaughter," Mrs. Maloney's husband appears to have something important to tell her, but instead shouts at her. Similarly, "The Speckled Band" introduces red herrings such as gypsies and wild animals roaming the manor. The narration style differs in these stories - "Lamb to the Slaughter" is narrated in the third person by the writer, whereas "The Speckled Band" is narrated in the first person.

"The Speckled Band" is more complex because it features alternating narrators, with Dr. Watson and Miss Stoner recounting parts of the story through flashbacks. In both stories,

the readers are left to determine the suspects and whether or not the murderers will be apprehended. In "Lamb to the Slaughter," we witness Mary's motives for the murder, driven by love and passion, which elicits sympathy toward her. Writing styles are often influenced by the time and societal attitudes, as well as cultural influences. Both stories reflect the typical style of their respective eras, evident in their writing approach.

Both stories demonstrate the lack of independence and employment opportunities for women. In "Lamb to the Slaughter," the sentence structure is relatively simple, enhancing its readability. The story employs uncomplicated and less elaborate sentences. As evidenced by the quote, "Fresh ice cubes in the bucket."

The text suggests that a more informal writing style is employed, evident in the way it feels like we are being spoken to. The story's contemporary nature can be attributed to its use of language, such as Mary's greeting of "Hullo" to her husband. In contrast, "The Speckled Band" features standard English dialogue with proper usage of words like "pray" instead of "please." Furthermore, the vocabulary in the latter story is simpler and more relatable. The characters' informal speech and their incorrect grammar, like using "doc," contribute to their portrayal.

The story is shorter than "The Speckled Band" because people today have less time to read than in the past. The story needed to be shorter to compete with other forms of media. Unlike "The Speckled Band," this story has a light-hearted tone and is not as realistic. This allows us to appreciate the humor and the choice of murder weapon in the story. In contrast, "The Speckled Band" contains long and complex

sentences with subordinate clauses and sophisticated punctuation throughout.

The story requires the reader's concentration due to its complex word order. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle appears unsatisfied with using only one word, resulting in a formal and grammatically correct conversation. The speech of the middle-class characters reflects their social standing. The use of the word "pray" instead of "please" indicates an old-fashioned writing style. In contrast to "Lamb to the Slaughter," the story is a serious tale that conveys a stronger sense of believability.

The story was targeted towards a more educated middle-class readership, and it was serialized in newspapers exclusively for this audience. Metaphors and similes were employed, particularly in "The Speckled Band," where Dahl's writing lacks detailed descriptions. Effective similes, such as comparing the manor to "the claws of a crab," are used in this story. The language used by the characters differs in both tales, albeit in distinctive manners.

In "The Speckled Band," Holmes displays qualities of a gallant gentleman who possesses impeccable manners and the ability to say the right things at the right moments, particularly when conversing with Miss Stoner. This exemplifies why the Victorians held this character in high esteem. Conversely, Mary utilizes her language skills as a means of manipulating the detectives. Her gentle and feminine voice helps to disarm the officers and establish her claim of innocence. She successfully convinces the officers to consume the murder weapon by requesting them to do her a favor.

Mary is smart, but she speaks with an unsophisticated greeting. In "The Speckled Band," the mystery is solved, bringing resolution and resolving everything. However, in "Lamb to the Slaughter," we are left wondering if she will

be caught in the future and what will happen, even though we feel relieved that she escapes capture. Both stories have a surprising twist, but in "The Speckled Band," the murderer is killed by the murder weapon, while in "Lamb to the Slaughter," the murder weapon is consumed. The reason behind the title "The Speckled Band" is revealed at the end when we discover it refers to an Indian snake used to kill the daughters. "Lamb to the Slaughter" hints that the story revolves around someone who is oblivious to their impending destiny.

The text suggests that the story has multiple meanings. The title raises questions about the presence of blood and death within the narrative. Holme's final statement indicates his belief that Roylott's death is his responsibility, yet he does not experience any guilt. In contrast, Mary finds amusement in the fact that the police unwittingly consume the murder weapon. The murder in "The Speckled Band" appears to be more grave, while in "Lamb to the Slaughter" it takes on a humorous tone, possibly intended for entertainment purposes.

The opinions on murder have shifted throughout history, and this can be observed when comparing both stories. Personally, I found "The Speckled Band" more appealing due to its heightened sense of mystery. The identity of the murderer remained unknown, making the story feel more realistic compared to "Lamb to the Slaughter". However, I did appreciate the fact that the perpetrator in "Lamb to the Slaughter" was a woman, as society often viewed women as the weaker sex. Over time, murder narratives have undergone significant changes, partly because murder cases have become more common and are occasionally portrayed in

a humorous light.