Final answer:
In the short story 'Lamb to the Slaughter' by Roald Dahl, Mary's potential murder charge depends on the circumstances. Her temporary insanity and self-defense could be argued as defenses, but her calculated actions after the murder may work against her.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary's Murder Charge in 'Lamb to the Slaughter'
In the short story 'Lamb to the Slaughter' by Roald Dahl, Mary murders her husband as a reaction to his surprising news. However, whether she should be charged with murder depends on the circumstances. While her actions were premeditated, there are elements that could support a defense of temporary insanity or self-defense.
In the story, Mary's husband tells her that he is leaving her, triggering a sudden and intense emotional response. The shock and betrayal she feels could be seen as a temporary loss of self-control, potentially providing grounds for a reduced charge or a defense of temporary insanity. Additionally, Mary uses the leg of lamb as a weapon in the heat of the moment, which could be argued as self-defense in response to a perceived threat from her husband.
However, it is important to note that Mary's actions after the murder, such as planning an alibi and disposing of the evidence, may weigh against her case. The argument could be made that her actions demonstrate a calculated intent to cover up the crime. Ultimately, whether Mary would be charged with murder or a lesser offense would depend on how the legal system interprets her mental state and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Learn more about Mary's murder charge in 'Lamb to the Slaughter'