Introducing the Story Literary Focus: Ambiguity Reading Skills: Making Inferences About Motivation The Lady, or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton Feature Menu

The Lady, or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton

The first requisite of civilization... is that of justice. —Sigmund Freud The Lady, or the Tiger? Introducing the Story

In this tale, a king holds public trials of subjects accused of crimes. Their guilt or innocence is determined by chance—by having them open one of two doors and reveal what’s behind it. A beautiful lady means innocence. A ferocious tiger means guilt. [End of Section] The Lady, or the Tiger? Introducing the Story

Ambiguity is the quality that allows something to be interpreted in several ways. Ambiguity in a story allows for conflicting interpretations adds complexity makes the story seem more like real life The Lady, or the Tiger? Literary Focus: Ambiguity

The ambiguous ending of “The Lady, or the Tiger?” may make the story linger in your mind for days or weeks. [End of Section] The Lady, or the Tiger? Literary Focus: Ambiguity You may find yourself returning to the story again and again, answering the questions it poses differently each time.

When you read an ambiguous story, you may need to make inferences, or educated guesses, about the characters’ motivation. Think about what the narrator tells you about the characters what the characters do or say what you know about the way people act and think The Lady, or the Tiger? Reading Skills: Making Inferences About Motivation

As you read “The Lady, or the Tiger?” pay close attention to the king’s daughter. [End of Section] Think about how her motives relate to other characters. Make inferences about the reasons for her behavior. The Lady, or the Tiger? Reading Skills: Making Inferences About Motivation

[End of Section] During the Middle Ages an accused person’s guilt or innocence was often determined by a trial by ordeal. If the person was not hurt during a physical test, it was believed the accused was saved from harm by God and was therefore innocent. Those who were injured or killed were viewed as guilty. In this story, justice is determined in a similar way. The Lady, or the Tiger? Background

Quickwrite

Make the Connection [End of Section] The Lady, or the Tiger? Quickwrite Did you ever have to make a choice between something that was good for you and something that was good for someone you cared about? Are you glad that you chose as you did? Jot down your thoughts about making this choice.

Vocabulary

Previewing the Vocabulary exuberant adj.: elaborate; extreme; also, high- spirited. genial adj.: cheerful and friendly. impartial adj.: fair; unbiased. allegiance n.: loyalty. procured v.: gotten; obtained. The Lady, or the Tiger? Vocabulary

Previewing the Vocabulary dire adj.: terrible. retribution n.: punishment. fervent adj.: passionate. aspiring v. used as n.: seeking to gain; desiring. deliberation n.: careful thought, especially in making a decision. The Lady, or the Tiger? Vocabulary

1. After winning a soccer game, we feel exuberant. (example that helps define) Vocabulary: Using Context Clues Context clues help explain the meaning of a word. They can be synonyms, antonyms, or examples. 2. Once in dire shape, the business is now thriving. (antonym that contrasts) 3. We need impartial, or unbiased, jurors for the trial. (synonym that restates) The Lady, or the Tiger? Vocabulary

1. The cheaters had to face _________; they were suspended for three weeks. 2. Our instructors are _________ and pleasant. 3. _________ to finish college, she enrolled again and studied several hours every day. 4. It is too late if you haven’t yet _________ tickets. The performance is sold out. Vocabulary Activity: Using Context Clues Use context clues to complete each sentence. procured genial aspiring retribution retribution Aspiring genial procured [End of Section] The Lady, or the Tiger? Vocabulary

Meet the Writer

Frank R. Stockton (1834–1902) was born in Philadelphia and worked as as a wood engraver before beginning a career as a writer. He eventually became a successful author of works for adults and children. “The Lady, or the Tiger?” is his best-known story. More About the Writer [End of Section] The Lady, or the Tiger? Meet the Writer