The Landlady l Picture this Youve just arrived

“The Landlady” l Picture this: You’ve just arrived in a lovely new town by train and you’re looking for a place to stay. You find a bed and breakfast that looks very enchanting (nice) on the outside. You decide to stop and look in the window. What do you think you might see?

“The Landlady” By Roald Dahl

Meet the Author Roald Dahl l Born in Wales (1916 -1990) l He often writes stories with dark humor. l Some familiar stories: James and the Giant Peach Matilda Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The BFG

Literary Element Used l Foreshadowing: the use of clues or hints suggesting events that will occur later in the plot. HINT: As you read “The Landlady” put yourself in the place of the main character (protagonist). Pay close attention to what Billy sees and senses.

Characters l Protagonist is seventeen year old Billy Weaver l Antagonist -Owner of the Bed & Breakfast, The Landlady

Setting The story takes place in Bath, England probably mid 1900’s.

Bath, England

Bath, England

Questions l Why is Billy in Bath, and where is he headed? l What does the landlady do or say that show she is unusually well-prepared for Billy’s arrival? l Why do you think she is so ready for Billy?

l How Questions does the landlady’s speech hint at some future event (FORESHADOWING)? l What clue hints at something strange about the fact the dog is sleeping (FORESHADOWING)? l Why might the names of Gregory Temple and Christopher Mulholland be familiar to Billy?

Questions l What might the peculiar smell suggest? (FORESHADOWING) l What has the landlady said that seems to contradict the following statement: “Left? ” she said. “But my dear boy, her never left. He’s still here. Mr. Temple is here. They’re on the fourth floor, both of them together. ?

Questions l What do you suspect has happened to both guests? How did you arrive at that conclusion? l How does the landlady’s statement foreshadow what will happen to Billy? (“I stuff all my little pets myself when they pass away. ”)

Questions l What does the landlady ask Billy to do before he goes to bed? Why does she want him to do this task?

Foreshadowing l List two events that foreshadow what happens to Billy at the end of the story.

Questions l Do you believe Billy realizes the danger he faces at the end of the story? If he does, is it too late to escape (explain all your answers).

Check Test TRUE/FALSE 1. The Landlady answers the door before Billy can remove his hand from the door bell. TRUE 2. Billy thought the Landlady’s fee to stay at the bed and breakfast was too much. FALSE 3. Billy believes he had heard of the Landlady’s previous guests. TRUE 4. The Landlady meant Billy no harm. FALSE 5. The tea taste strange to Billy because it is poisoned TRUE

Put the events in order The Landlady offers Billy strange poisoned tea 5 l Billy arrives in Bath and needs a place to stay 1 l The Landlady asks him to sign the guest book 3 l Billy questions the Landlady about her previous guest 4 l The Landlady answers the door too (strangely) quickly l 2