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The Landlady

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The Landlady
ESSAY: Describe a character that you found interesting from your texts. Explain why you found this character interesting.
In The Landlady by Roald Dahl, I found the character of the Landlady interesting because despite being slightly strange, she seems like a very nice and kind lady. Another reason I ofund her interesting was because it is revealed that she is actually an extremely cruel lady who kills her guests.
The Landlady is described as a forty-five or fifty year old woman who owns a Bed and Breakfast. The Landlady had a round pink face and gentle blue eyes, one of the reasons that attracted Billy to stay and the Bed and Breakfast. The Landlady’s smile made Billy feel more at home and more welcome, however her behaviour was slightly strange. “She was about forty-five or fifty years old, and the moment she saw him, she gave him a warm welcoming smile…She had a round pink face and very gentle blue eyes…But this dame was like a jack-in-the-box. He pressed the bell and out she popped! … The old girl is slightly dotty, Billy told himself…” This shows that a person should always trust their instincts and should not trust in anyone if there is even a shadow of doubt.
The Landlady seems like a very nice and compassionate lady, however, she acts slightly strange. Her caring behaviour towards Billy builds his trust in her and her appearance also contributes to Billy believing and trusting in her further. The Landlady’s embracing personality and demeanour convinces Billy to stay at the Bed and Breakfast. Billy notices her strange and queer behaviour but he dismisses it after considering the cost of staying at the Bed and Breakfast. The Landlady also emphasises certain words that cause us to suspect her. “…she gave him a warm welcoming smile… ‘My dear boy,’ she said, ‘why don’t you come in out of the cold? …She seemed terribly nice. She looked exactly like the mother of one’s best friend welcoming one into the house to stay for the Christmas holidays… The old girl is



Bibliography: The Landlady - by Roald Dahl

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