In the short story “the Lady, or the Tiger”, the kingdom has a tradition. If one is needed to be on trial, they would have to go into arena, where there are two doors. One with a beautiful lady, the other with a ferocious tiger in the midst of the room. If the person in the arena has chosen the room with the tiger in it, they are considered guilty and a felon. This tradition is considered an entertainment in the kingdom and many find it very enjoyable to watch just as one would watch a T.V. show.
One day, the King’s daughter, the princess, is found being intimate with a very wealthy prince. Since the King is so fond of her daughter, he sentences him to the lady or tiger trial. Even though his daughter loves him so much, she is almost necessitated to watch because she is so entertained by it. Behind the door of the lady, is a lady who is a fangirl of the handsome prince. While, the other door contains the tiger. However, the princess knows which is behind the door and is uncertain which door to direct the prince to. She is envious because she think the prince secretly loves the other girl, but is also afraid to see her lover ripped apart into shreds by the merciless tiger. The intrepid prince is so trustworthy in the princess that when she gives him a laconic point to the right door, he immediately, without hesitation steps towards the door.
This brings me to the theme of the story. This theme also proves that themes can repeat in different stories since I’m going to steal the theme from the short story “the Lottery” .”Don’t blindly follow traditions just because they are traditions.” Even when the princess’s lover is sentenced to the fate of either being married or being eaten alive, she follows the tradition. Even when knowing that it’s wrong. She follows the tradition for the sake of her entertainment and just because it’s a tradition. Just like in “the Lottery”, the tradition could be cause very grievous consequences, as severe as killing your lover.