Introduction: Reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”
“Lady or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton is a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and the ultimate test of human nature. In fact, it is very difficult to predict human nature. However, at some point, we can predict, understand, and even make guesses about human beings. The princess is in love with the young lad and at the same time, she hates the girl, who loves her lover, with the same intensity. Because she is from the royal family, she has privileges. She can easily get a chance to torment the girl, and on the other hand, the girl has similar feelings. “The Lady or the Tiger,” authored by Frank R. Stockton, tells us this story and provides details. The princess informs the boy when she knows what could come out behind the closed doors of the cage, and her decision is based on this point of intense love for the youth and bitter hatred for the rival lady.
Love and Reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”
It is quite obvious that the princess is deeply in love with the boy. The fact is known to everyone; the “royal maiden was well satisfied” since “he was handsome and brave to the degree unsurpassed,” and her love for him had “enough barbarism in it to make it exceeding warm” due to her “semi-barbaric” nature. This clearly indicates that the princess is deeply in love with the youth, and they reciprocate each other’s feelings. They are careless about whatever happens to them, but the youth has to face the royal wrath, and eventually, the king orders his arrest. He is then sent behind bars to face either the tiger or a unique form of reward or punishment.
Jealousy and Reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”
Furthermore, the princess harbors intense jealousy and hatred towards the girl who is placed in a cage that her lover is asked to open. Being a member of the royal family, the princess possesses knowledge of the secrets behind the doors, empowered by “gold, and the power of a woman’s will.” However, the primary issue lies in the fact that “she hated her the most” – the chosen girl – especially since the girl had witnessed her beloved during their happy days. From the moment she learned about her, the princess felt a deep-seated dislike for the girl, fueled by jealousy. Often, the princess would imagine scenarios where the boy opens the door to the girl’s cage, and their ceremony is celebrated in the same place with grandeur and festivity, while everyone revels in joy. Consumed by jealousy, the princess’s hatred for the girl intensifies. Upon introspection, she realizes that her actions are influenced by the upbringing and environment she experienced within her own family.
Decision Making and Reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”
The princess’s decision was influenced by two factors: her love for the boy and her disdain for the beautiful girl, whom she believed should be placed behind bars and offered to the boy if he proved himself blameless by opening the door. However, through her actions, it becomes clear what her true intentions were. Initially, the princess made it known that if she intended to let the boy open the cage with the girl inside, she would signal to the left side. Yet, after many nights of contemplation, she decided against allowing the boy to meet the girl. It became evident that the princess did not want girls of lower caste to triumph in winning her own love. With this in mind, she signaled to the right side, indicating her decision. Now, one can easily imagine the outcome: the princess signaled for the boy to open the cage containing the tiger, as she did not want him to marry the low-caste girl in her presence.
Works Cited: Reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”
Stockton, Frank Richard. The Lady Or The Tiger?. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1884.
Relevant Questions about Reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”
- How does the ambiguity of the ending in “The Lady or the Tiger?” contribute to the story’s overall message or theme in your reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”?
- What role does human nature play in the protagonist’s ultimate decision in “The Lady or the Tiger?” How does this reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?” reflect broader aspects of human behavior?
- Reflecting on the societal and cultural context of “The Lady or the Tiger?” in your reflection on “Lady or the Tiger?”, how might interpretations of justice, morality, and power dynamics differ between modern audiences and those of the story’s time?
