Լևոն Ենգիբարյան

0 — B
1 — A

3 — B

3 — D

4 — B

5 — C

6 — A
7 — C

8 — B

I will keep it brief. For the past 1.5 years, I’ve lived in Berlin, Germany. A ton of things there were profoundly unique. I went to an English school, it had people from a wide range of various countries, be it Uganda, Korea, Vietnam, Serbia or Ukraine. As you might be aware, Armenia is an extremely conservative country, we generally only have Armenians. It was exceptionally uncommon to see different people. One thing I saw, is that when individuals from western societies, for example, Germans, Brits or Americans talk, they never get excessively near you, and they could never follow through with something like contacting your shoulder. Though more eastern individuals, for example,
the Chinese, Ukrainians and so on, could undoubtedly put their hand over my shoulder. Likewise in Armenia you can go yell any sort of racial slur with no outcome, definitely no, not allowed here. Also uh, gay individuals. My school had a gay banner everywhere, and on the off chance that you want to be employed in the future, you can’t express anything about them (Like in the hit book 1984 by George Orwell). Germans are commonly more considerate, they could never ask you headings in the city, however individuals of color or Russians will. You better believe it, wasn’t a big fan, so I’m back!

This narrative marvel weaves together elements of suspense, irony, and dark humor, inviting readers to delve into the twisted fate of its protagonist, Mary Maloney. Dahl’s tale revolves around themes of betrayal, revenge, and the unpredictability of human behavior, leaving a lasting impression on readers with its unexpected twists and turns.

Set in an ordinary household, the story initially portrays Mary Maloney as the picture-perfect, devoted housewife, eagerly awaiting her husband’s return from work. However, the calm facade shatters when her husband, Patrick Maloney, delivers a heart-wrenching revelation that he plans to leave her. The subtle domestic bliss is shattered, and Mary’s world is thrown into disarray. As her shock and devastation unfold, the storyline takes a sharp turn, propelling the tale into an enthralling exploration of the human psyche.

Driven by a profound sense of betrayal and desperation, Mary impulsively resorts to an act of violence, using a frozen leg of lamb as her weapon. In a state of emotional turmoil, she commits a heinous crime, bludgeoning her husband to death. The calculated yet impulsive nature of her actions encapsulates the visceral instinct for survival, underscoring the lengths to which one can go when confronted with intense emotional turmoil.

In a masterful display of irony, Mary proceeds to conceal her crime by preparing the leg of lamb as a meal, cleverly orchestrating an alibi for herself. Her calculated behavior and outwardly composed demeanor in the face of the investigating officers build an intriguing contrast, highlighting the disparity between appearance and reality. Through this contrast, Dahl subtly probes the deceptive nature of human perception, questioning the notion of truth and the fragility of surface-level understanding.

Further adding to the complexity of the narrative, Dahl skillfully manipulates the reader’s emotions, evoking a sense of empathy for Mary’s predicament. Despite her crime, the reader is compelled to sympathize with her, as her actions stem from a place of desperation and heartbreak. This emotional complexity challenges conventional notions of right and wrong, prompting readers to contemplate the intricate nuances of human morality and the capacity for empathy even in the face of a morally questionable act.

Additionally, «Lamb to the Slaughter» serves as a commentary on the unpredictability of human behavior and the depth of the human psyche. Dahl’s portrayal of Mary Maloney as an unassuming, docile wife subverts conventional stereotypes, underscoring the multifaceted nature of human identity. The story serves as a reminder that individuals are capable of surprising acts, defying societal expectations and norms, thereby emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in interpreting human actions and motivations.

In conclusion, «Lamb to the Slaughter» stands as a riveting exploration of the intricacies of the human condition, exposing the fragility of relationships, the complexity of human emotions, and the unforeseeable nature of human behavior. Roald Dahl’s masterful storytelling and subtle exploration of human psychology leave an indelible mark on readers, prompting introspection into the depths of human morality, empathy, and the consequences of betrayal. «Lamb to the Slaughter» continues to captivate audiences, serving as a timeless reminder of the profound complexities that define the human experience.

A new year means a fresh start, a blank canvas on which we can paint our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. In my case, this year holds a special significance as there is something I am looking forward to with great enthusiasm. In this essay, I will share what I’m looking forward to most this year and why it holds such importance for me.

The importance of family has become even more evident in recent times. This year, I am eagerly looking forward to reuniting with family members I haven’t seen in a while, mainly my grandparents and cousins. The idea of spending quality time with loved ones, sharing stories, and creating cherished moments is something I can remember forever.

I am also looking forward to meeting some of my close friends which I haven’t seen in a hot minute. And I wish to spend some time with them.

I don’t have a third eye, and therefore can’t foresee the future. I don’t know what will happen this year, but I will adapt and hopefully it all ends well. Or I die in a car crash, we’ll see.