A Comparison Between Two Murder Mystery Stories: Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band
Both “Lamb to the Slaughter” and “The Speckled band” share some characteristics of murder mysteries. What are the similarities and differences between the stories? Which do you think is more successful for the genre? Why?
In this essay I am going to establish as well as clarify the similarities and differences between “Lamb to the Slaughter” and “The Speckled band”. I will also debate which is more successful for the genre.
Both these books are murder mysteries. What makes a good murder mystery is the way the writer builds up tension. I feel that “The Speckled band” is very successful at building up tension by using decoys in the plot i.e. the cheetah, the saucer of milk and the whistling that Mrs. Stoner heard. These are still relevant clues but to the untrained eye would throw you off course.
What sets these two murder mysteries apart is the way language and style is used. The Speckled band is written in a formal way because it is a serious storyline. The auther did this because the detective is very clever and can make deductions very succesfully and he is suited for a serious story. The reader could find some of the formal language hard to understand.
“Lamb to the Slaughter is written very ordinarily. I feel this because it is placed in a casual every day home and can be pictured in the present day life style. This makes easy for the reader to understand and identify with. This can make a big differance considering that “The Speckled band” is set decades ago.
Lamb to the Slaughter is known as a Black comedy meaning that it is a serious subject with a touch of humour. “The Speckled band” is serious throughout. These books clearly show two different styles but both are written the same age group.
