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

2. 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 ferocious tiger means guilt.
A beautiful lady means innocence.

3. The Lady, or the Tiger? Literary Focus: Ambiguity
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

4. 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.
You may find yourself returning to the story again and again, answering the questions it poses differently each time.

5. The Lady, or the Tiger? Reading Skills: Making Inferences About Motivation
When you read an ambiguous story, you may need to make inferences or draw conclusions (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

6. 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.
Think about how her motives relate to other characters.
Make inferences about the reasons for her behavior.