Loneliness: The story highlights the theme of loneliness and the desire for connection. The landlady, Mrs. Muldoon, is a lonely woman who craves companionship and fills the void in her life by keeping stuffed animals and imagining them to be her guests.
Appearances vs. reality: The story portrays the contrast between appearances and reality. The landlady initially appears to be a kind and welcoming person, but as the protagonist delves deeper, he discovers a sinister and disturbing truth about her. This theme emphasizes the importance of looking beyond surface impressions.
Obsession and Possessiveness: Mrs. Muldoon's obsession with her guests and her desire to keep them forever reflect the theme of possessiveness. She preserves her lodgers as stuffed animals, demonstrating an extreme and unhealthy attachment.
Manipulation and power: The landlady exhibits a manipulative and controlling nature. She uses her charm and hospitality to lure in her victims and exert power over them, ultimately turning them into part of her collection.
The banality of evil: Dahl presents the theme of the banality of evil through the character of Mrs. Muldoon. She commits heinous acts of murder and taxidermy in a casual and mundane manner, highlighting how ordinary individuals are capable of great cruelty.
Death and mortality: The story touches upon the theme of death and mortality. The protagonist's encounter with the stuffed former guests hints at the inevitability of death and raises questions about the nature of life and existence.