View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two outcomes for the criminal depending on his choice of door in the arena?

2. What word from Part 4 of the story means domineering, dictatorial, or overbearing?

3. Where does the princess sit in relation to her father in the arena in Part 4 of the story?

4. What door does the courtier go to open in the end of Part 4?

5. What does the narrator remark regarding the unpredictability of the trials at the arena?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does irony apply to the trial of the courtier in the king's arena?

2. What theme is predominant in Part 4 of the story?

3. How does the narrator "set the scene" on the day of the courtier's trial?

4. What does the lady behind the door symbolize in the story?

5. How would you compare the king's tribunal with our contemporary justice system?

6. How is the unpredictability of the arena described in Part 3 of the narrative?

7. What signal does the princess give to the courtier in the arena?

8. What happens when the king discovers his daughter's love affair?

9. What is described as standing behind the second door in the narrator's hypothetical trial in Part 3?

10. How does the narrator describe the king's method of administering justice in Part 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of the courtier in "The Lady, or the Tiger?" How does the love affair between the princess and the courtier begin? How long does the love affair last before the king discovers it? How are the courtier's appearance and demeanor described?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of fate/chance in "The Lady, or the Tiger?" How are fate and chance defined by the narrator? How are these concepts connected to fairness in the story? Do you think that the king's arena is a fair and just tribunal? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the courtier's actions, objectives, and obstacles when he enters the arena. To whom does the courtier look for advice on his fate? How does he perceive and act upon that advice? What is the main obstacle of the courtier in the arena?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 862 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample