Introduction: “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
“The Landlady” by Roald Dahl, first published in The New Yorker in 1959 and later collected in Kiss Kiss (1960), is an unsettling tale that creates a sense of unease through its deceptively ordinary setting and gradual revelation of sinister truth. With trademark sharp prose and mounting suspense, Dahl expertly weaves a narrative that draws readers in and refuses to let go, building towards a shocking climax that has captivated readers for generations, making it a classic of the genre.
Main Events in “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
1. Billy’s Arrival in Bath
- Billy Weaver arrives in Bath from London on a cold evening, looking for lodging.
- He plans to settle in Bath before reporting to the Branch Manager as instructed by Mr. Greenslade.
2. The Search for Accommodation
- Billy seeks a cheap hotel and is directed to The Bell and Dragon.
- On his way, he notices a Bed and Breakfast sign in a house window.
3. Temptation at the Bed and Breakfast
- The cozy atmosphere of the house catches Billy’s eye, especially the bright fire and the sleeping dachshund.
- He debates between staying at the Bed and Breakfast or The Bell and Dragon.
4. Strange Compulsion
- Despite intending to move on, Billy feels compelled to enter the Bed and Breakfast.
- The sign seems to hypnotize him, drawing him towards the house.
5. The Charming Landlady
- Billy is greeted by a warm and welcoming landlady who immediately invites him in.
- The landlady seems kind and accommodating, offering him a room at a very cheap rate.
6. Negotiating the Stay
- Billy hesitates but eventually agrees to stay, impressed by the low price and the landlady’s demeanor.
- He feels comfortable and safe in her presence.
7. Curious Guests
- While signing the guestbook, Billy notices the names Christopher Mulholland and Gregory W. Temple, feeling a sense of familiarity.
- He tries to recall where he heard those names before.
8. Peculiar Conversations
- Billy engages in conversation with the landlady, who mentions that Mulholland and Temple are still staying in the house.
- He finds her behavior and remarks odd but tries to remain polite.
9. Uncanny Silence
- The landlady’s statements about Mulholland and Temple’s prolonged stay unsettle Billy.
- He notices the absence of other guests and begins to feel uneasy.
10. Bizarre Revelations
- The landlady reveals that Mulholland and Temple are deceased and preserved in the house.
- Billy is shocked and disturbed by this revelation.
11. Disturbing Realizations
- Billy realizes that the pets in the house, including a parrot and a dachshund, are also taxidermied.
- He starts to feel trapped and uncomfortable in the house.
12. Chilling Offer
- The landlady offers Billy another cup of tea, which he declines after noticing a peculiar taste.
- He becomes increasingly suspicious and wary of her intentions.
13. Lingering Fear
- Billy begins to fear for his safety as he comprehends the true nature of the Bed and Breakfast.
- He regrets his decision to stay and wishes to leave as soon as possible.
14. Desperate Escape
- Billy tries to maintain composure while planning his escape from the house.
- He resolves to leave at the earliest opportunity, fearing for his life.
15. Final Departure
- Billy bids the landlady farewell, concealing his terror, and quickly exits the house.
- He vows never to return to the sinister Bed and Breakfast, haunted by the chilling encounter.
Literary Devices in “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
| Literary Device | Example from the Story | Explanation |
| Allusion | Mention of Eton schoolboy Christopher Mulholland | Reference to a historical or literary figure/event |
| Characterization | Description of the landlady’s appearance and behavior | Portrayal of characters’ traits and personalities |
| Foreshadowing | Billy’s unease and the odd behavior of the landlady | Hinting at future events or outcomes |
| Hyperbole | “The air was deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on his cheeks.” | Exaggeration for emphasis or effect |
| Irony | The landlady’s seemingly kind demeanor contrasting with her sinister actions | Contrast between appearance and reality |
| Metaphor | “Her body was half-turned towards him, and he could feel her eyes resting on his face, watching him over the rim of her teacup.” | Comparison without using “like” or “as” |
| Onomatopoeia | “The tea tasted faintly of bitter almonds” | Words that imitate sounds |
| Paradox | The landlady’s warm hospitality in contrast with her chilling secret | Contradictory statement that reveals deeper truth |
| Personification | “The air was deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on his cheeks.” | Giving human attributes to non-human entities |
| Repetition | The repeated mention of “Bed and Breakfast” in the window sign | Repeating words or phrases for emphasis |
| Satire | Depiction of the landlady’s peculiar behavior as a critique of societal norms | Use of humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize |
| Simile | “The wind was like a flat blade of ice on his cheeks.” | Comparison using “like” or “as” |
| Symbolism | The stuffed parrot and dachshund in the house | Use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts |
| Suspense | Billy’s growing unease and the revelation of Mulholland and Temple’s fate | Building tension and anticipation for the reader |
| Theme | The contrast between appearance and reality | Central idea or message explored in the story |
| Tone | The eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the house | Author’s attitude towards the subject or audience |
| Alliteration | “Bright fire burning in the hearth” | Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words |
| Imagery | “The room was filled with pleasant furniture” | Vivid description that appeals to the senses |
| Mood | The sense of foreboding and unease throughout the story | Emotional atmosphere created for the reader |
| Foil | Billy’s innocence and trust compared to the landlady’s sinister nature | Contrast between characters highlighting traits |
Characterization in “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
| Character | Description | Examples from the Story |
| Billy Weaver | Billy Weaver is a seventeen-year-old protagonist who travels from London to Bath in search of lodging. He is described as naive, trusting, and eager to succeed in business. | – Billy’s brisk walk and enthusiasm upon arrival in Bath.<br>- His willingness to trust the landlady based on her appearance.<br>- His initial reluctance to stay at the Bed and Breakfast, followed by his eventual decision to do so. |
| The Landlady | The landlady is a mysterious woman who runs the Bed and Breakfast where Billy stays. Initially, she appears warm, welcoming, and motherly, but her true nature is revealed to be sinister and deceptive. | – Her charming demeanor and warm smile upon greeting Billy.<br>- Her insistence on Billy staying at the Bed and Breakfast despite his initial hesitation.<br>- Her subtle hints and odd behavior that foreshadow the dark secret of the house. |
| Christopher Mulholland and Gregory W. Temple | Christopher Mulholland and Gregory W. Temple are two deceased guests of the Bed and Breakfast, preserved by the landlady. Their names are listed in the guestbook, indicating their prolonged stay in the house. | – Billy’s discovery of their names in the guestbook, along with the realization of their prolonged stay without leaving the house. |
| The Pets (Parrot and Dachshund) | The parrot and dachshund are taxidermied animals in the house, serving as eerie symbols of the landlady’s true nature. They add to the unsettling atmosphere of the Bed and Breakfast. | – Billy’s initial impression of the parrot and dachshund as living creatures, only to later realize they are stuffed.<br>- Their presence in the house contributes to the growing sense of unease and foreboding. |
Major Themes in “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
- Appearances vs. Reality: The story plays heavily on the contrast between how things appear and how they truly are. The landlady initially appears friendly and welcoming, with her warm smile and the inviting atmosphere of the house. However, as the story progresses, Billy discovers the sinister truth behind the stuffed animals and the fact that Mr. Mulholland and Mr. Temple are not alive.
- Example: “The room itself, so far as he could see in the half-darkness, was filled with pleasant furniture. There was a baby-grand piano and a big sofa and several plump armchairs… Animals were usually a good sign in a place like this, Billy told himself” (paragraph 60). This description creates a positive first impression, but it’s later revealed that the comforting signs are actually a facade.
- Danger of Youthful Naivete: Billy’s trusting nature and lack of experience contribute to his downfall. He doesn’t suspect the landlady’s odd behavior and readily accepts her explanations, even when they become unsettling.
- Example: “The old girl is slightly dotty, Billy told himself. But at five and sixpence a night, who gives a damn about that?” (paragraph 178). Billy dismisses the landlady’s eccentricity because of the cheap rent, overlooking the potential danger.
- Isolation and Seclusion: Billy’s isolation makes him more vulnerable. He is new to the city, doesn’t know anyone, and chooses to stay at a secluded boarding house instead of a busier pub.
- Example: “He had never stayed in any boarding-houses, and, to be perfectly honest, he was a tiny bit frightened of them” (paragraph 80). Billy’s initial hesitation about staying at a boarding house highlights his sense of isolation.
- The Insidious Nature of Evil: The landlady’s evil is subtle and disguised as kindness. Her welcoming demeanor and seemingly harmless actions lull Billy into a false sense of security.
- Example: “She seemed terribly nice. She looked exactly like the mother of one’s best school-friend welcoming one into the house to say for the Christmas holidays” (paragraph 158). The landlady’s friendly appearance masks her dark intentions.
Writing Style in “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
- Suspenseful Atmosphere: Dahl creates a suspenseful atmosphere through subtle hints and foreshadowing, keeping readers intrigued.
- Example: The landlady’s warm welcome and insistence on Billy staying despite his reservations foreshadow the dark secret of the house.
- Detailed Descriptions: Dahl employs detailed descriptions to vividly depict characters and settings, enhancing the reader’s immersion.
- Example: The description of the dilapidated houses and the cozy interior of the Bed and Breakfast provide a clear visual image for readers.
- Eerie Imagery: The use of eerie imagery adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the story, contributing to its overall sense of unease.
- Example: The taxidermied parrot and dachshund, initially mistaken for living creatures, create a sense of dread and foreboding.
- Subtle Humor: Dahl infuses subtle humor into the narrative, often through ironic situations or the quirky behavior of characters.
- Example: Billy’s initial reluctance to stay at the Bed and Breakfast, despite the landlady’s insistence, adds a touch of irony to the situation.
- Foreshadowing: The story is filled with instances of foreshadowing, hinting at the dark secret of the Bed and Breakfast and building tension.
- Example: The mention of Mulholland and Temple in the guestbook foreshadows their fate and the sinister nature of the house.
- Unreliable Narration: The use of an unreliable narrator, in this case, Billy Weaver, adds to the suspense and keeps readers guessing about the true nature of the characters and events.
- Example: Billy’s initial trust in the landlady, despite her odd behavior, creates tension as readers question his judgment.
- Twist Ending: Dahl employs a twist ending that surprises readers and adds an element of shock to the story’s conclusion.
- Example: The revelation of Mulholland and Temple’s fate, along with the landlady’s sinister intentions, comes as a sudden and unexpected twist.
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
| Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| Deception and Appearance | How does Roald Dahl use the character of the landlady to explore the theme of deception and appearance vs. reality? | “In ‘The Landlady’, Roald Dahl employs the landlady’s character to demonstrate how appearance can be deceiving, as she hides her true sinister nature behind a façade of warmth and kindness.” |
| Psychological Horror | How does Roald Dahl create a sense of psychological horror in ‘The Landlady’, and what techniques does he use to build tension and suspense? | “Through his masterful use of foreshadowing, irony, and the supernatural, Roald Dahl crafts a chilling tale of psychological horror in ‘The Landlady’, leaving readers on edge and questioning the true nature of the landlady’s intentions.” |
| Victorian Social Norms | How does ‘The Landlady’ subvert or reinforce Victorian social norms, particularly in regards to gender roles and the treatment of women? | “In ‘The Landlady’, Roald Dahl subtly subverts Victorian social norms by portraying a female character who defies traditional gender roles and expectations, while also critiquing the patriarchal society of the time.” |
| Dark Humor and Satire | How does Roald Dahl use dark humor and satire in ‘The Landlady’ to comment on the human condition and societal norms? | “Through his use of dark humor and satire, Roald Dahl’s ‘The Landlady’ cleverly critiques the human condition, exposing the darker aspects of human nature and societal norms, while also entertaining readers with a macabre and ironic tale.” |
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
| Literary Theory | Interpretation | Examples from the Story | Critique |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | The story can be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens, suggesting that the landlady represents the archetype of the “mother figure” with sinister undertones, and Billy’s trust in her reflects subconscious desires and fears. | – The landlady’s welcoming demeanor and motherly behavior towards Billy, which masks her true intentions. – Billy’s subconscious attraction to the comfort and warmth provided by the landlady, despite underlying unease. | Critics may argue that psychoanalytic interpretations can be overly speculative and subjective, relying heavily on symbolic analysis. |
| Feminist Theory | A feminist reading of the story may focus on the portrayal of the landlady as a manipulative and controlling figure, reflecting patriarchal power dynamics and societal expectations of women. | – The landlady’s deceptive behavior and her ability to exert control over Billy, undermining his autonomy. – The absence of agency for female characters, as the landlady’s actions are driven by her adherence to traditional gender roles. | Critics may argue that while feminist interpretations shed light on power imbalances, they may oversimplify complex character motivations and interactions. |
| Reader-Response Theory | Reader-response theory suggests that meaning is constructed through the interaction between the text and the reader, allowing for multiple interpretations based on individual experiences and perspectives. | – Readers may interpret the story differently based on their personal backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural contexts. – The story’s ambiguous ending invites readers to speculate and form their own conclusions about the characters’ fates. | Critics may argue that reader-response theory can be overly subjective, leading to interpretations that may diverge significantly from the author’s intentions or the text itself. |
Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
- Q: What is the significance of the landlady’s stuffed animals in the story?
The landlady’s stuffed animals are a symbol of her sinister and murderous nature. They are described as being “stuffed and mounted” and having “glassy eyes” that seem to watch Billy Weaver, the protagonist, as he moves around the house. The fact that they are former pets that the landlady has killed and preserved suggests that she has a tendency to trap and kill things that come into her home, foreshadowing her intentions for Billy. - Q: How does Roald Dahl use foreshadowing in the story to hint at the landlady’s true nature?
Roald Dahl uses foreshadowing throughout the story to hint at the landlady’s true nature. For example, when Billy first arrives at the bed and breakfast, the landlady greets him with a “warm and friendly” smile, but her eyes are described as being “small and bead-like” and “watching him all the time”. This suggests that there is something unsettling and untrustworthy about her. Additionally, the landlady’s constant references to her “late husband” and her tendency to “mother” her guests also hint at her possessive and controlling nature. - Q: What role does the setting play in creating a sense of tension and suspense in the story?
The setting of the story, a small, isolated bed and breakfast in Bath, England, plays a significant role in creating a sense of tension and suspense. The fact that Billy is alone and far from home, and that the landlady’s house is described as being “small and rather nasty” with “a smell of cooking and cabbage” creates a sense of claustrophobia and unease. Additionally, the fact that the landlady has a tendency to lock doors and windows, trapping Billy inside, adds to the sense of tension and suspense. - Q: How does the story’s ending contribute to its overall themes and tone?
The story’s ending, in which Billy Weaver discovers the landlady’s true nature and narrowly escapes being killed, contributes to the overall themes of deception and appearance vs. reality. The fact that the landlady’s exterior appearance and demeanor are so drastically different from her true nature highlights the idea that things are not always as they seem. The ending also adds to the overall tone of the story, which is darkly comedic and satirical, as it pokes fun at the idea of the “quintessential English landlady” and the societal norms of the time.
Literary Works Similar to “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
- “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: This iconic short story explores the sinister undercurrents beneath a seemingly idyllic small-town community, similar to the deceptive facade presented by the landlady in Dahl’s story.
- “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: Like “The Landlady,” Poe’s classic tale delves into themes of deception and madness as the narrator’s obsession with a seemingly trivial detail leads to horrifying consequences.
- “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner: Faulkner’s story revolves around the mysterious life of Emily Grierson, a reclusive woman with a dark secret, echoing the enigmatic nature of Dahl’s landlady character.
- “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs: In this chilling tale, a family’s wish on a magical monkey’s paw leads to unintended and tragic consequences, reminiscent of the uncanny and ominous atmosphere in “The Landlady.”
- “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This haunting story explores themes of confinement, mental illness, and female oppression, echoing the psychological depth and ambiguity present in Dahl’s narrative
Suggested Readings about/on “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
- Sohier, Jacques. “Metamorphoses of the Uncanny in the Short-Story “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl.” Miranda. Revue pluridisciplinaire du monde anglophone/Multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal on the English-speaking world 5 (2011).
- Ali, Zinah Fadhil. “Anti-Feminist View in Landlady by Roald Dahl.” Opción 34.85 (2018): 1447-1464.
- Stončikaitė, Ieva. “Roald Dahl’s eerie landlady: A macabre tale of aging.” Journal of aging studies 62 (2022): 101061.
- Casulli, Florence. “Macabre Short-Stories by Edgar Allan Poe and Roald Dahl.” Caietele Echinox 35 (2018): 25-47.
Representative Quotations from “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
- Quote 1 (Paragraph 58):
- “The room itself, so far as he could see in the half-darkness, was filled with pleasant furniture. There was a baby-grand piano and a big sofa and several plump armchairs… Animals were usually a good sign in a place like this, Billy told himself”
- Context: Billy, the protagonist, is looking for a place to stay and sees a “BED AND BREAKFAST” sign in a window. He peeks inside and sees a seemingly comfortable room with a fireplace, furniture, and a parrot. Animals are traditionally seen as a sign of a welcoming environment, leading Billy to believe this is a good place to stay.
- Theoretical Perspective: Appearances vs. Reality. This quote highlights the contrast between how the landlady presents her establishment and its true nature. The pleasant furniture and animals create an illusion of comfort and safety, masking the sinister reality that awaits Billy.
- Quote 2 (Paragraph 79-80):
- “He had never stayed in any boarding-houses, and, to be perfectly honest, he was a tiny bit frightened of them. The name itself conjured up images of watery cabbage, rapacious landladies, and a powerful smell of kippers in the living-room.”
- Context: Billy hesitates between staying at a pub, which he imagines to be more social, and the boarding house. He has preconceived notions about boarding houses based on stereotypes – bad food, greedy landladies, and unpleasant smells.
- Theoretical Perspective: Danger of Youthful Naivete. Billy’s lack of experience makes him susceptible to manipulation. He doesn’t consider the possibility that the boarding house might not be as bad as he imagines, leading him to overlook potential red flags.
- Quote 3 (Paragraph 99-102):
- “He pressed the bell. Far away in a back room he heard it ringing, and then at once – it must have been at once because he hadn’t even had time to take his finger from the bell-button – the door swung open and a woman was standing there. Normally you ring the bell and you have at least a half-minute’s wait before the door opens. But this dame was a like a jack-in-the-box. He pressed the bell – and out she popped! It made him jump.”
- Context: The moment Billy rings the bell, the landlady appears, creating an unsettling feeling of being watched or controlled. This unnatural swiftness adds to the overall eerie atmosphere.
- Theoretical Perspective: The Insidious Nature of Evil. The landlady’s unnatural behavior is subtle but unsettling. Her immediate appearance suggests a manipulative control over Billy, foreshadowing the danger he doesn’t recognize.
- Quote 4 (Paragraph 219-222):
- “He noticed that the bedspread had been taken off the bed, and that the bedclothes had been neatly turned back on one side, all ready for someone to get in. ‘I’m so glad you appeared,’ she said, looking earnestly into his face. ‘I was beginning to get worried.’”
- Context: Upon entering his room, Billy finds the bed prepared as if someone was expecting him. The landlady expresses relief at his arrival, which is strange considering she has vacancies.
- Theoretical Perspective: Appearances vs. Reality. The prepared bed and the landlady’s comment create a sense of unease. It suggests the room is not just ready for any guest, but specifically for Billy, hinting at a sinister purpose.
- Quote 5 (Paragraph 458-460):
- “He put out a hand and touched it gently on the top of its back. The back was hard and cold, and when he pushed the hair to one side with his fingers, he could see the skin underneath, greyish-black and dry and perfectly preserved.” (referring to the dachshund)
- Context: Billy discovers the dachshund is actually taxidermied, just like the parrot. This realization dawns on him slowly, with a growing sense of horror.
- Theoretical Perspective: The Unveiling of Horror. The discovery of the preserved animals shatters the illusion of normalcy and confirms Billy’s worst suspicions. The grotesque detail of the animal’s preserved skin reinforces the dark reality of the situation.