Short Stories
Summaries
&
Questions
The Suit
Written by Can Themba (1924 – 1967), a South
African short story writer and journalist.
His short stories and journalistic pieces reflect the
shebeen culture and Sophiatown magic of the 1950s.
The Suit
Summary
The Suit is about a man called Philemon who is
happily married but discovers that his wife,
Matilda, is cheating on him. He makes her
carry her lover’s suit everywhere and treat it
like a visitor in their home. Because of his
cruelty and her humiliation she eventually
dies of a broken heart.
The Suit - Questions
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Where is The Suit set?
Describe Philemon’s morning ritual.
Who told Philemon about the infidelity?
What role does this person play in Philemon’s life?
What did Philemon do when he entered his house?
What is meant with “German print” (p64)?
What was Tilly’s punishment?
Name TWO things that Philemon did that were abnormal
that day.
Explain why the Sunday outing was humiliating to Tilly.
Who started the Cultural Clubs?
List all the preparations made for the dinner party.
How did the guests react to the Suit?
Lamb to the Slaughter
U Roald Dahl (1916 – 1990) was a
British novelist, short story
writer, fighter pilot and
screenwriter.
U His short stories are known for
their unexpected endings, and his
children's books for their
unsentimental, often very dark
humour.
U Lamb to the Slaughter was first
published in 1953.
Lamb to the Slaughter
Summary
Lamb to the Slaughter is about a devoted,
pregnant wife – Mary Maloney - who
murders her husband after he tells her he
wants to leave her. As the wife of a
policeman, she establishes an alibi, calls the
police and ends up coaxing them into eating
the murder weapon.
Lamb to the Slaughter - Questions
1.
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3.
How far pregnant was Mary?
What did Patrick do that was unusual?
Why does Mary start talking when she knows Patrick enjoys
some quiet time after work?
4. What did she get out of the freezer?
5. At first, after the murder, Mary seems to welcome a death
sentence. What makes her change her mind?
6. Name the three items she purchased from the grocer.
7. State the names of the two lead detectives.
8. Name two objects they suggested as the murder weapon.
9. How did Mary manipulate the police officers?
10. Why is the setting ironic in view of how the story unfolds?