In Roald Dahl's short story "The Landlady," the old lady, who operates a boarding house, is guilty of several sinister actions that are gradually revealed throughout the narrative. Here are a few key points illustrating her guilt:
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Murder: The primary implication of guilt surrounding the landlady is her involvement in the murders of her previous guests, including the young men whose names and descriptions match those of her former lodgers. Her actions suggest a pattern of luring unsuspecting travelers to her home and then killing them.
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Deception: She presents herself as a harmless and welcoming figure, but this façade hides her true, malevolent intentions. Her friendly demeanor contrasts sharply with the dark realities of her actions.
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Taxidermy: The landlady’s hobby of taxidermy is symbolic of her desire to possess and control her guests, turning them into inanimate objects. This not only signifies her psychological issues but also underscores her guilt, as she effectively “preserves” her victims after killing them.
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Isolation of Victims: By running a seemingly innocent boarding house, she isolates her victims from the outside world, making them vulnerable to her intentions.
The story culminates in a chilling realization for the protagonist, Billy, as he unwittingly becomes the next target in her series of crimes. The landlady's guilt stems not just from her actions but from the calculated way she uses her charade to lure victims, showcasing themes of deception and the contrast between appearance and reality.