What does the phrase "Lamb to the slaughter" typically signify in literature?

The phrase "Lamb to the slaughter" typically signifies innocence being sacrificed. This expression evokes the imagery of an innocent, defenseless creature being led to its demise, emphasizing vulnerability and the tragic plight of those who are unsuspecting victims in a situation of great harm or betrayal.

In literature, this phrase is often used to illustrate characters or themes where innocence is unjustly lost, highlighting moments where the protagonists may face unfair or intolerable situations. The connotation of a "lamb" symbolizes purity and naivety, thus reinforcing the idea of sacrifice as a tragic loss of purity.

While the other options contain elements that could be part of narratives involving suffering or betrayal, they do not distinctly capture the essence of the "lamb" metaphor as effectively as the idea of innocence being sacrificed.