Literature: The Lady, or the Tiger? Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where does the story take place?

Around the time of the Roman Empire.

Do the people like the king's system of justice?

True

List the main characters in the story.

King, Princess, Young Man

Describe the King.

Antagonist; Father to the princess; he is semi-barbaric. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Princess.

Protagonist; Jealous and semi-barbaric; fell in love with a common man. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the young man.

Princess's lover. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the system of justice the king has designed and implemented in his kingdom.

The accused chooses between two doors, one leading to a tiger and the other to a lady. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the arena?

To determine if a person is guilty or innocent. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main problem or conflict facing the main character in this story?

Choosing which door the lover should go to. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the king consider the outcome of the arena fair and just?

Because he believes in the impartiality of chance to determine fate. Signup and view all the answers

How do the king's subjects react to these trials?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why does the king cast the young man into prison?

Because he fell in love with the king's daughter. Signup and view all the answers

How does the princess discover which of the two doors will hold the lady?

She bribed a guard. Signup and view all the answers

Is it easy for the princess to decide the young man's fate?

False Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the story, is the conflict resolved?

False Signup and view all the answers

Define: Devious

Dishonest or deceptive; tricky; not straightforward. Signup and view all the answers

How does Stockton use the lady behind the door to complicate the outcome of the story?

It creates heartbreak in the outcome for the young man. Signup and view all the answers

How is the resolution of this story unique or different?

The author does not give an ending to the story. Signup and view all the answers

What do you suppose the young man is thinking when the princess signals him?

She loves me and she would never let me die. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Context

The story is set in a distant past, reminiscent of the Roman Empire era.
The king's justice system is characterized as both thrilling and just from the populace’s view, as it allows the accused to make their own choice.

Main Characters

King: Antagonist, semi-barbaric, and father to the princess.
Princess: Protagonist, embodies jealousy and semi-barbarism; falls in love with a commoner, inciting her father's wrath.
Young Man: The princess's lover, whose fate hangs in the balance.

Justice System Description

The king's arena serves as a unique justice mechanism, intended to reward virtue and punish vice through chance.
The accused must choose between two doors: one conceals a tiger, and the other, a beautiful lady.

Purpose and Function of the Arena

Functions as a court-like venue to determine guilt or innocence, while also serving as entertainment for the masses.

Main Conflict

The central dilemma for the princess is whether to allow her lover to potentially face death or to be with another woman.

King’s Perspective on Justice

The king's view of justice is colored by his arbitrary and semi-barbaric nature; he believes it reasonable to use chance for moral judgment.
He takes pleasure in watching the trials, viewing them as a grand spectacle.

Reactions to Trials

The populace enjoys the trials, viewing the outcomes as fair, reflecting a dark form of entertainment.

Reason for Imprisonment

The young man is imprisoned due to his romantic ties with the king’s daughter, a transgression deemed serious by the king.

Princess’s Knowledge of the Outcome

The princess uncovers the secret of the doors by bribing a guard, indicating her resolve to understand her lover’s fate.

Princess’s Inner Conflict

She struggles profoundly between her hate for the lady behind the door and her love for the young man; deciding his fate is filled with torment.

Story Resolution

The story concludes without a definitive resolution, leaving the outcome ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Themes of Deception

The term "devious" defines the nature of human emotions and decisions, reflecting dishonesty and the complexity of the heart.

Human Emotions Explored

The narrative delves into the princess's emotional turmoil, revealing a heart torn between love and jealousy, illustrating the complexities of desire.

Impact of the Lady Behind the Door

The existence of the lady complicates the emotional landscape, symbolizing the inherent heartbreak in love’s choices.

Unique Resolution Approach

Stockton’s choice to leave the story unresolved heightens the dramatic tension, allowing readers to ponder the implications of choice and consequence.

Young Man's Perspective

Although primarily focused on the princess's thoughts, it's implied that the young man believes in the princess's love and her desire to protect him.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Frank R. Stockton's classic story, 'The Lady, or the Tiger?'. This quiz covers key elements such as the setting, characters, and public perception of the king's justice system. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students alike!