The Lady, or the Tiger

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(a) The accused person must choose between two doors concealing either a tiger that will kill him or a woman who will marry him. Chance governs his choice. (b) They find the trials exciting and entertaining, as well as fair, since the accused made the choice.

Slide 15

AFTER YOU READ

The Lady, or The Tiger?—Frank Stockton

Recall and Interpret

(a) What is the young man’s crime?

(b) Why are his actions considered criminal?

(a) Loving the king’s daughter

(b) His low position in society made him an unworthy suitor.

Slide 16

AFTER YOU READ

The Lady, or The Tiger?—Frank Stockton

Recall and Interpret

(a) What does the princess do when the young man is in the arena? (b) What motive does she have for sending him to his death, and what motive does she have for saving his life?

(a) Gesture toward the right (b) Jealousy; true, unselfish love

Slide 17

AFTER YOU READ

The Lady, or The Tiger?—Frank Stockton

Analyze and Evaluate

Why do you think the story ends with a question instead of an answer?

To invite readers to ponder the conflict between love and jealousy.

Slide 18

AFTER YOU READ

The Lady, or The Tiger?—Frank Stockton

Connect

In what ways is the king’s justice similar to flipping a coin to decide an important question?

In both cases, chance alone determines the outcome.

Slide 19

AFTER YOU READ

Conflict

The Lady, or The Tiger?—Frank Stockton

Why is the princess’s internal conflict so central to the story?

Her decision governs if the young man lives or dies. Your view of her will affect your choice of resolution.

What conflicts does the young man have? Are his conflicts internal or external? Support your answers with details from the story.

External: which door to open – possibly facing the tiger

Internal: whether to believe the princess

LITERARY ANALYSIS

Literary Element