Emma Olmstead Period 4 3-3-12 Class number 14 The Lady or the Tiger By: Frank Stockton This story leaves the reader filled with curiosity. The author doesn’t make the conclusion, or ending, very clear, and instead, leaves the reader to decide how they perceive, or want the story to end. “ And so I leave it with all of you! Which came out of the opened door-the lady, or the tiger? (page ) If I had to make a prediction to guess the result, I would think it was the tiger that came out by the clues/hints throughout the storyline. The ruler of the village has a very interesting way of punishing criminals, and people from the town can even choose to watch- if they are brave enough to watch a horrendous scene or watch a hilarious event that is unexpected to happen, unless they may already know what will happen-of course.
The king’s lover stood in the audience knowing which was behind the two doors. She also knew who the lady was-the most fairest and loveliest of the damsels of who could have been selected as the reward of the accused youth, and she hated this lady. So the most probable or reasonable outcome would be that she wanted him to suffer rather than for him to marry and fall in love with a women whom she despised. I still wonder why the author made the ending the way it was.
I think this story shows how your actions could possibly cost you your life. After reading this story, I will always think carefully about what I do- what is right and what is wrong. Although this story is described as in a semi-barbaric village, it still shows a very meaningful message. I really enjoyed this story and it can really teach someone an important lesson to make their decisions in life wisely. Word Count: 317 words
