Prose 3- The Lady or the Tiger

https://creativegirlwriter.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/summary-review-and-reflection-the-lady-or-the-tiger-by-frank-stockton/

Of the Writer and the Story - The story “The Lady or the Tiger?” is from Frank R. Stockton, a 19th c. American writer. It is meant for children, but its end is for a mature audience, especially for those who are good at understanding women’s heart.  It is about a semi-barbaric king.  His ideas are polished – “Good should be rewarded and evil should be punished.”  But his way of justice to the accused is barbaric -with a tiger to tear or a lady as a reward.

The Vast Arena as the Trial Place - The king had a built a vast stadium that served to entertain the public and to administer justice.  The accused would be brought to this arena for trial.  He would have two choices. If he opened one door, a ferocious hungry tiger would jump upon him and tear him into pieces for his crime.  If he opened the other door, a beautiful lady would come out and marry him for his innocence.  The King’s judgement looks fair because it arises from impartial and honest chance. 

King's Daughter and her Lover on Trial - The king had a daughter who loved a young handsome courtier.  He came to know about the love affair and put the lover on Trial.  King's daughter bribed and found the secret -which door carried the Tiger and which one, the most beautiful lady.  But she was in a dilemma.  Whatever door is opened, she would be the loser.  Moreover, she was hateful and jealous of the lady in the cage. On the appointed day, the lover looked for a signal from his sweetheart. King's daughter showed the right door secretly and the lover opened it. 

The Mysterious End - It is an open-ended story and the writer did not tell who came out -the Lady or the Tiger? We do not know what happened to the handsome young man. Life is mysterious and we do not know what will happen next.  So is the end of the Story.  The writer asks us to be in the heart of the hot-blooded, semi-barbaric princess and then find the answer. Which is powerful – her love, or her jealousy, or her semi barbarism?  Who is clever – the king, or the princess, or the Writer, or the reader? Everything is an open secret.