Explain in detail how she covers up the murder.
She puts the leg of lamb (weapon) in the oven. Then she goes to the grocery store to get potatoes and peas to make Sam an alibi.
How does Mary react to her husband when he says he does not want to go out?
She is somewhat surprised because it is unusual. She then offers to make him dinner because he must eat something.
What about Patrick that has finally made Mary frightened?
He tells to her sit down
Who is the antagonist?
Patrick Maloney (husband)
What is the first sign that something is different that night?
Patrick has a second drink that has more whiskey in it
What do you think it was that Patrick told his wife and why do you think so?
He was leaving her or wants a divorce. Because he tells her "Of course I'll give you money and see you're looked after."
What is her reaction to Patrick's news and what does it tell us about her character?
Her first instinct was not to believe any of it, to reject it all. Maybe she imagined it. She is in shock so she said I'll make supper and went to the...
Who is the protagonist?
Mary Maloney (wife)
What helps to confirm her alibi?
Sam, the grocer. He tells them she was happy, making dinner for Patrick, nothing unusual at all about her.
What does Mary do to prepare for her husband's homecoming?
She tidies the house and prepares the ingredients needed for Patrick's drink.
How does Mary feel about her husband at the beginning of the story?
She is happy and very much in love with him
What does Mary insist the police officers do as a favour?
Eat the leg of lamb that is in the oven.
What do the policemen do when they arrive?
Questioned her about what happened, and they verify her alibi.
What type of conflict do we see in the story?
External conflict
Internal conflict
Explain why this can be classified as the perfect murder.
Mary successfully creates an alibi so that no one suspects her, and she has the police completely destroyed the murder weapon for her without them realising.
What do Mary and Patrict usually do on a Thursday night?
Go out for dinner
Go out for a walk
Stay at home
Go out for a movie
What kind of external conflict is present in the story?
man vs supernatural
man vs nature
man vs society
man vs man
How does Mary identify herself when she calls the police? Why is this important?
Mrs. Patrick Maloney. Because Patrick is a police officer and they would be sympathetic towards her and not suspect that she did it.