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The Landlady
by Roald Dahl
A. Anticipation/Reaction Guide
Directions: Read each statement below BEFORE listening to the radio play of “The Landlady”. Decide
whether each statement is positive or negative. Place a “P” or an “N” in the appropriate box to indicate your choice. Be prepared to share your thoughts. Before Listening P/N
Statement from Text After
Listening P/N
P There was a vase of yellow chrysanthemums, standing just underneath the
notice that looked wonderful beside the green velvety curtains. Animals are usually a good sign in this sort of place. Each word was like a large black eye staring at me through the glass, holding me, compelling me… I’m afraid we have the house all to ourselves. It isn’t very often I have the pleasure of taking a visitor into my little nest. Now dear, come over here, sit down beside me on the sofa and I’ll give you a nice cup of tea and a ginger biscuit before you go to bed. Left? But my dear boy, he never left. He’s still here. Mr. Temple is also here. They’re on the fourth floor, both of them together. There wasn’t a blemish on his body. AFTER listening to “The Landlady”, revisit each statement. Has your impression of any statement changed now that you are familiar with the story? Place a “P” or an “N” in the appropriate box to indicate your choice. Be prepared to share your thoughts.
B. Words to Know
Word Example Sentences Predicted definition
brisk
...and made my way briskly down the street. For briskness was the one common characteristic of all successful businessmen, like those big shots up at the Head Office. They were always so amazingly brisk.
I think this word means:
quickly, energetically
My sentence:
There’s nothing like a brisk walk in the morning to get my blood flowing and my
spirit ready for the day ahead.
swanky
As I studied the once swanky facades of the passing houses now cracked and blotchy from neglect, all of a sudden, in a downstairs window, I caught sight of a printed notice propped up against the glass.
I think this word means:
My sentence:
facades
As I studied the once swanky facades of the passing houses now cracked and blotchy from neglect, all of a sudden, in a downstairs window, I caught sight of a printed notice propped up against the glass.
I think this word means:
My sentence:
congenial
Though, on the other hand, a pub would be more congenial than a boarding-house. Perhaps then I shall walk on and take a look before making up my mind...
I think this word means:
My sentence:
C. After Reading- Check For Understanding
Discussion: Answer these questions as part of our in-class discussion
- What was Billy Weaver doing in the City of Bath? Why does he walk “briskly” down the street?
- He was directed to the 'Bell and Dragon' pub for accommodation. Why didn't he stay there?
- What was strange about the landlady when he rang on the door bell?
- Describe Billy's first impressions: a. of the house b. of the landlady
- Why did the landlady ask him to go to the sitting-room after he'd unpacked his bag?
- What did Billy find disturbing about the guest book?
- What was strange about the animals in the sitting-room?
- What do you think happened to the other guests whose names Billy had seen?
- What do you think happened to Billy? At what point in the story were you (the reader) fairly certain that Billy was in danger? Explain what words, phrases, or images the writer used to give you this feeling.
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D. Evidence Chart - Foreshadowing
● foreshadowing is a literary technique ● used to give the reader “clues” about what is going to happen later on in a story ● vital technique for authors of crime, suspense, or horror stories The chart below lists foreshadowing clues that Roald Dahl has included in his short story, “The Landlady.” Read the clues and complete the chart by explaining what each clue suggests about the plot of the story. Page # Evidence (specific examples from text) Elaboration (This foreshadows...or this clue suggests...)
But the air was deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on my cheeks.
This clue foreshadows that Billy will
face danger soon - i.e., “deadly cold”
and “blade” indicate that there will be
trouble!
BED AND BREAKFAST, it said... BED AND BREAKFAST… BED AND BREAKFAST… Each word was like a large black eye staring at me through the glass, holding me, compelling me… 2 It isn’t very often I have the pleasure of taking a visitor into my little nest. 3 Everyone has to do that because it’s the law of the land, and we don’t want to go breaking any laws at this stage in the proceedings, do we? (^6) I stuff all my little pets myself when they pass away. 6 The tea tasted faintly of bitter almonds, and I didn’t much care for it.
