The Landlady

Roald Dahl uses foreshadowing to build suspense in “The Landlady”. What clues foreshadow Billy’s fate? Explain what happens in the climax of the story.

Example

Topic Sentence:

There are several clues that the landlady kills Billy.

Concrete Detail #1

The landlady interrupts Billy every time he asks her questions about Christopher Mullholland and Gregory Temple.

Commentary #1

Billy seems to know their names and every time he gets close to figuring it out she interrupts him. It seems like she does not want him to know that truth.

Concrete Detail #2

Also, Gregory Temple, the last person to sign the guestbook, was there two years ago.

Commentary #2

This is no way to run a business! There is no way she is making a living, so she must have other motives.

Topic Sentence:

The landlady kills Billy with the tea.

Concrete Detail #1

Commentary #1

Concrete Detail#2

Commentary #2
“The Landlady” Essay Rubric

Format Ideas Word Choice

(76 pts) The writer follows the format correctly including grammar we specifically reviewed. / (12pts) The examples of foreshadowing are clearly explained. The writer brings unique ideas to the interpretation. / (12pts) Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural
way. The words are powerful and engaging.
(8pts) The writer understands the foreshadowing they selected, but the writer could bring more insight into the commentary. / (8pts)The language is functional, even if it lacks much energy. It is easy to
figure out the writer's meaning on a general level.
Total Score
______/ (4pt) Foreshadowing is not explained. It may have been restated or unclear. Quotes selected may not include foreshadowing. / (4pts)The writer demonstrates a limited vocabulary or has not searched for
words to convey specific meaning.

Needs to be Revised

(30) The writer wrote paragraph but there is at least one error in the format. Ideas and Sentence Fluency will be graded after this is revised.

“The Landlady” Essay Rubric

Format Ideas Word Choice

(76 pts) The writer follows the format correctly including grammar we specifically reviewed. / (12pts) The examples of foreshadowing are clearly explained. The writer brings unique ideas to the interpretation. / (12pts) Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural
way. The words are powerful and engaging.
(8pts) The writer understands the foreshadowing they selected, but the writer could bring more insight into the commentary. / (8pts)The language is functional, even if it lacks much energy. It is easy to
figure out the writer's meaning on a general level.
Total Score
______/ (4pt) Foreshadowing is not explained. It may have been restated or unclear. Quotes selected may not include foreshadowing. / (4pts)The writer demonstrates a limited vocabulary or has not searched for
words to convey specific meaning.

Needs to be Revised

(30) The writer wrote paragraph but there is at least one error in the format. Ideas and Sentence Fluency will be graded after this is revised.

“The Landlady” Essay Rubric

Format Ideas Word Choice

(76 pts) The writer follows the format correctly including grammar we specifically reviewed. / (12pts) The examples of foreshadowing are clearly explained. The writer brings unique ideas to the interpretation. / (12pts) Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural
way. The words are powerful and engaging.
(8pts) The writer understands the foreshadowing they selected, but the writer could bring more insight into the commentary. / (8pts)The language is functional, even if it lacks much energy. It is easy to
figure out the writer's meaning on a general level.
Total Score
______/ (4pt) Foreshadowing is not explained. It may have been restated or unclear. Quotes selected may not include foreshadowing. / (4pts)The writer demonstrates a limited vocabulary or has not searched for
words to convey specific meaning.

Needs to be Revised

(30) The writer wrote paragraph but there is at least one error in the format. Ideas and Sentence Fluency will be graded after this is revised.