Answer :
Final answer:
Mary Maloney and the Landlady exhibit contrasts and contradictions through their initial appearances versus their true natures.
Explanation:
Mary Maloney and the Landlady demonstrate contrasts and contradictions in various ways. Mary Maloney from 'Lamb to the Slaughter' initially appears as a loving wife, but her character takes a dark turn when she unexpectedly murders her husband. This sudden shift showcases the contradiction between her outward appearance and inner actions. In contrast, the Landlady in 'The Landlady' appears kind and welcoming, but as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that she has a sinister side, revealing the contrasts between her seemingly pleasant demeanor and her true intentions.
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Answer: Mary Maloney and the Landlady in Doris Lessing's short story "The Landlady" demonstrate contrasts and contradictions through their personalities, behaviors, and relationships.
Mary Maloney is portrayed as a naive and innocent young woman who is eager to please and fit in. She is described as "a well-mannered, well-spoken, and well-dressed young woman" (Lessing 134). In contrast, the Landlady is depicted as a strange and sinister figure who is eager to get rid of her guests. The Landlady is described as having a "flat, expressionless face" (Lessing 136) and is obsessed with taxidermy.
One of the most striking contradictions between Mary and the Landlady is their treatment of each other. Mary is initially polite and courteous towards the Landlady, but as the story progresses, she becomes increasingly uneasy and fearful. The Landlady, on the other hand, is cold and distant towards Mary, but seems to be hiding a sinister motive behind her friendly demeanor.
The text evidence that supports this contrast can be seen in the following lines:
"Mary Maloney was a well-mannered, well-spoken, and well-dressed young woman. She had been taken to the Landlady's flat by her husband after dinner." (Lessing 134)
"This was the flat of Mrs. Leavis, the Landlady...She had a flat, expressionless face..." (Lessing 136)
As Mary's unease grows, she begins to realize that the Landlady is not what she seems. This contrast between Mary's innocence and the Landlady's sinister nature highlights the themes of deception and danger in the story.
In conclusion, Mary Maloney and the Landlady in Doris Lessing's "The Landlady" demonstrate contrasts and contradictions through their personalities, behaviors, and relationships. The contrast between Mary's innocence and the Landlady's sinister nature creates a sense of tension and unease, highlighting the themes of deception and danger in the story.
