The author
The author of a story can effect the theme in
many ways. The author could put surprise
twists or weird coincidences that change the
whole theme of the story. In the case of
“Lamb to the Slaughter” the author offers
surprise twist endings and strange event to
conceal the theme until the end of the story.
The Title
The title can tell the reader many things about
the them. Using background knowledge and
clues the title gives you the reader can infer
what the theme may be. In this story the tile
tells us that Lamb, meaning gentle or nice,
and slaughter, blood or death, there may be a
complex theme.
The Setting
The setting also tells us many things about the
theme of the story. Depending on the time
period or place the theme could change
greatly. In this story it takes place in the 1950’s
were wives took care of their husbands and
didn’t argue. If this was not the case the story
would be SO different.
Main Character
The main character is the basis of the theme of
the story. Depending on the main character
and their personality traits one event could
have a million different themes. In the story
“Lamb to the Slaughter” the character
changes and changes the theme along with
her. From Loving house wife, to manipulative
murder.
Plot
The plot essentially makes or breaks the theme
depending on the climax, the exposition, and
the resolution many stories can have different
themes. In “Lamb to the Slaughter” the plot is
everything. You need to know so much about
the plot in order to know what's going on.
The Theme
Although the story “Lamb to the Slaughter” can
have many themes we decided the best
theme would be “Looks can be deceiving.”
We think this because the main character, the
wife, seems very innocent to the authorities.
But she really is a murder.