The Landlady by Roald Dahl Class notes

Foreshadow Define foreshadowing At what point in the story did you first become suspicious that things in the boarding house were not quite normal? What seems to be the landlady’s idea of a perfect guest? What do you think happens to her guests, and how do you know? One relevant fact you may not know is that potassium cyanide, a favourite poison in mystery and suspense stories, has a faint bitter-almond taste. Go back to the text, and find other clues throughout the story that foreshadow Billy’s fate.

What do you think Dahl’s reasons were for not making the house seem frightening from the beginning? What do you think the landlady means when she says "I stuff all my little pets myself when they pass away."? Discuss how the author creates atmosphere/mood in the story. How do you think Billy will die? Explain why you think so. Write the final scene to the story.