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

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

3. 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

4. [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

5. Quickwrite

6. 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? Tell about this choice. Who was involved? Are you glad that you chose as you did? Jot down your thoughts about making this choice.