The Lady or the Tigre?

by Frank Stockton

is one of our Favorite Fairy Tales, recommended for ages 13 to adult. It was first published in The Century in 1882, firmly establishing the subtle art of the short story to captivate readers. This story's title has become an allegorical expression meaning an unsolvable problem 

Summary Introduction

The King's daughter falls in love with a young man, who, once her father learns of their affair, subjects him to a perilous fate in which he must choose one of two doors. Behind one holds a tiger, who will eat him; the other hides a young maiden whom he must marry. The Princess, who is semi-barbaric as is her father, knows which door hides each creature, and signals the young man to pick the door on the right. Will she show her barbaric side (being impetuous and jealous), or her humane side (allow her lover to live, but be with another)? The reader is left to guess her decision.