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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
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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 • 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 • RoaldDahl (1916 – 1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, fighter pilot and screenwriter. • His short stories are known for their unexpected endings, and his children's books for their unsentimental, often very dark humour. • 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 • 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? • What did she get out of the freezer? • At first, after the murder, Mary seems to welcome a death sentence. What makes her change her mind? • Name the three items she purchased from the grocer. • State the names of the two lead detectives. • Name two objects they suggested as the murder weapon. • How did Mary manipulate the police officers? • Why is the setting ironic in view of how the story unfolds?