Question

Question: After reading the story the lady or the tiger by Frank R. Stockton what expectations did the princess have for her significant other regarding their relationship? How do these expectations influence her decision regarding his life?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

In the short story "The Lady or the Tiger", the princess is in love with a man of inferior birth. Her father, a semi-barbaric king, is furious about their relationship. He decides the man should be judged by randomly choosing one of two doors. He can either choose the one where there is a tiger, and be killed instantly, or he can choose the one behind which a damsel awaits to marry him. This is the king's idea of a fair trial.

As the trial gets closer and closer, the narrator tells us of the agony the princess is facing. She loves the man, so she does not want him to die. However, she fears he will be too happy if he opens the door to the damsel. It's as if she does not expect him to be faithful in his love for her, as if the happiness of not being killed by a tiger will automatically transform into love for the pretty girl behind the door. Anyway, the princess has no expectations of continuing her relationship with him. He will either die or marry someone.

That realization is bound to influence her decision. However, the author does not make it clear what that decision is. He leaves it for the readers to wonder what she has chosen to do. She knows which door leads to which fate. Will she guide the man to the tiger out of jealousy? Or will she point him to the damsel to save his life? We cannot know for sure. But I dare say she, as a semi-barbaric princess (according to the narrator himself) would end up pointing him the door with the tiger. If she will lose him anyway, at least she will not lose him to another woman. We must remember this princess is quite selfish and spoiled.