Roald Dahl’s short story “The Landlady” is a masterclass in metaphorical language. Metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things in a non-literal way, creating a vivid and evocative image in the reader’s mind. Dahl uses metaphors throughout “The Landlady” to create a sense of unease and suspense, and to foreshadow the sinister nature of the landlady.
Metaphors of Entrapment
One of the most prominent metaphors in “The Landlady” is that of entrapment. The landlady’s house is described as a “trap,” and Billy Weaver, the young man who rents a room, feels increasingly trapped as the story progresses.
- “The house was old and rather small, and the paint was beginning to peel.”
This metaphor suggests that the house is rundown and in need of repair, but it also hints at the landlady’s sinister intentions. The peeling paint could be seen as a metaphor for the landlady’s decaying facade, which hides her true nature.
- “She was holding a dachshund on a lead, and the little dog strained and wriggled to get to Billy.”
This metaphor suggests that the landlady is trying to control Billy, just as she controls her dachshund. The dog’s wriggling and straining could be seen as a metaphor for Billy’s own attempts to escape the landlady’s clutches.
- “Billy felt his heart sink as he looked around the room. It was small and poky, with a low ceiling and a single window.”
This metaphor suggests that Billy is feeling trapped and suffocated in the landlady’s house. The low ceiling and single window could be seen as metaphors for the landlady’s oppressive presence and Billy’s lack of freedom.
Metaphors of Death
Another prominent metaphor in “The Landlady” is that of death. The landlady’s house is described as a “mausoleum,” and Billy’s room is filled with mementoes of her former lodgers, who have all mysteriously disappeared.
- “The sitting room was like a museum, with glass cases full of stuffed birds and animals.”
This metaphor suggests that the landlady’s house is a place of death and decay. The stuffed birds and animals could be seen as metaphors for the landlady’s former lodgers, who have been reduced to mere objects.
- “Billy’s room was small and bare, with only a bed, a chair, and a washbasin.”
This metaphor suggests that Billy’s room is a place of isolation and despair. The lack of furniture could be seen as a metaphor for Billy’s own sense of emptiness and loneliness.
- “The landlady smiled, and her teeth were very white and even. Billy thought of a shark.”
This metaphor suggests that the landlady is a predator, and that Billy is her prey. The shark’s teeth could be seen as a metaphor for the landlady’s sharp wit and her ability to manipulate others.
Conclusion
Roald Dahl’s use of metaphors in “The Landlady” creates a vivid and evocative sense of unease and suspense. The metaphors of entrapment and death foreshadow the sinister nature of the landlady and create a sense of dread in the reader’s mind. Dahl’s masterful use of language makes “The Landlady” a truly unforgettable story.
Additional Examples of Metaphors in “The Landlady”
- “Her eyes were like two black currants.”
- “Her hair was like a fine silk thread.”
- “Her voice was like a soft caress.”
- “Her skin was like alabaster.”
- “Her breath was like the scent of roses.”