The Lady, or the Tiger? is a short story written by Frank R. Stockton, first published in 1882. Set in a semi-barbaric kingdom, the story revolves around a unique form of justice devised by the king: an accused person must choose between two doors in an arena—behind one is a fierce tiger that will kill them, and behind the other is a lady chosen to be their bride. The plot centers on a young man who falls in love with the king’s daughter and is forced to undergo this trial. The princess, who knows what lies behind each door, subtly signals to him which one to choose.

The story ends ambiguously, leaving readers to wonder whether the princess directed her lover to safety with the lady or to death with the tiger. This unresolved conclusion invites deep reflection on human nature, jealousy, love, and the complexity of emotions. The Lady, or the Tiger? remains a classic example of open-ended storytelling and is widely studied for its exploration of moral dilemmas and narrative suspense.