The Lady Or The Tiger Character Analysis

Words: 1099
Pages: 5
Open Document
Everyone has a favorite story, but what makes the tale enticing to read? There are many reasons why a story could be successful in attracting readers such as relatable characters, emotional plot twists, or even an appropriate use of humor. The text, "The Lady or the Tiger", by Frank R. Stockton, would be an example of a quality story. In "The Lady or the Tiger”, a barbaric king enforces harsh rules over his kingdom and anyone who disobeys these rules is sent to a coliseum. When inside the coliseum, the accused has to pick a door, behind one door is a fair maiden and behind the other is a fierce tiger. One day, the king was made aware that his exquisite daughter had a lover. Consequently, the princess’ lover was sent to the coliseum by her outraged …show more content…
In "The Lady or the Tiger", on the first page, it states, “. . . nothing pleased [the semi-barbaric king] so much as to make the crooked straight and crush down the uneven places.” This phrase allows a view of the king and his aggressive need for perfection. Stockton is suggesting the king always gets what he wants creates a realistic character in the plot line. Throughout the story, the king is aggressive, however, this quote shows how the king has a need for perfection through indirect characterization. Next, on page three of the text, the princess is described as having “. . . a soul as fervent and imperious as [the king’s] own.” From this quote, the reader is able to see the princess’s real attitude and create an idea of how she will be throughout the article. Lastly, on page five, Stockton states “. . . and, with all the intensity of the savage blood transmitted to [the princess] through long lines of wholly barbaric ancestors, she hated the woman who blushed and trembled behind that silent door.” This quote creates a believable character, this quote allows the reader to feel what the princess is feeling in her situation. This quote directly states the princess’s jealousy of the woman, which helps develop the main conflict in the …show more content…
On page seven, Stockton writes, “The question of her decision is one not be lightly considered, and it is not for me to presume to set myself up as the one person able to answer it.” The author expresses the idea that the ending of this story is not something he can determine. There is so much the princess thought about in her circumstances, however, there is no real way to discern which door she chose. Stockton also states, “And soI leave it with all of you: Which came out of the opened door,-- the lady, or the tiger?” He tells all the readers that the ending can be changed by perspective. Depending on how one sees the story, the princess could have chosen the lady or the tiger, unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question. No one will know the answer as to which door was chosen by that envious, but lonely princess except for the princess
Show More

Related Documents: The Lady Or The Tiger Character Analysis

Essay about English: A Tale of Two Cities and Monsieur Defarge

------------------------------------------------- A Tale of Two Cities ------------------------------------------------- Original study guide for literature ------------------------------------------------- Buy Book (US $5.99) A Tale of Two Cities By Charles Dickens Summary and Analysis Book 1: Chapter 1 - The Mail Summary: In England, the Dover mail coach makes its way up a hill one late November night. The foreboding atmosphere of night and mist makes everyone uneasy — the passengers, the coachman, and the guard. Highway robberies…

Words 1794 - Pages 8

Cellc South Africa - Marketing Essay

Question One: Cell C segmented its market profile according to the different needs and preferences and appropriate market offerings. Introduction Definition of Target Marketing and its Importance in telecommunications This focuses on selling a product or service to a current market. However a strategic market embraces the potential market for the product or service. (Kotler and Keller; 2009: 86). An organization that markets directly to their end users to sell their products and services are…

Words 15640 - Pages 63

Gp Essay Mainpoints

2008 U.S. Presidential Elections (bloggers provide personal opinions about who was likely to win but New York Times invited experts to do a state-by-state analysis presenting results in a full-page spread, culminating in a detailed map showing states Democrats were likely to win) • Anonymity: given free rein to publish any thought that comes to mind • E.g. For every worthwhile video present on the site…

Words 24667 - Pages 99