In "Lamb to the Slaughter," Mary's love for her husband is one of the story's most prominent themes and it is expressed at a number of points in the text. At the beginning of the story, for example, Mary is depicted at home, waiting patiently for her husband's much-anticipated return from work:
She merely wanted to satisfy herself that each minute that went by made it nearer the time when he would come home.
Next, when he arrives at the house, Mary expresses her love through her complete devotion to looking after Patrick and his needs:
She took his coat and hung it up. Then she made the drinks.
In addition, Mary's love for Patrick is demonstrated by her enjoyment of their time together. This also provides Mary with an opportunity to consider what she loves the most about him, like his best features:
She loved the warmth that came out of him when they were alone together. She loved the shape of his mouth, and she especially liked the way he didn't complain about being tired.
Finally, even after murdering him, it is evident through her response to his body that Mary still loves her husband:
She ran over to him, knelt down beside him, and began to cry hard. It was easy. No acting was necessary.
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