The Lady Or The Tiger, By Frank Stockton

“Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion and knowledge“ (Plato). In “The Lady or The Tiger” by Frank Stockton, a princess must choose the fate of her lover. This short story shows emotions and morale can influence one’s actions. The author shows this through the princess’ quandary over saving or killing him. In the story, the author proves emotion and morale can influence your actions through the princess’ indecision. First, the author describes how the princess feared the tiger eating her lover. In the text, the author states, “How often, in her waking hours and in her dreams, had she started in wild terror, and covered her face with her hands? She thought of her lover opening the door on the other side which waited