The document provides instructions and context for reading and discussing the short story "The Lady, or the Tiger?" by Frank R. Stockton. It includes: 1) Setup for an anticipation guide where students will agree or disagree with statements and respond in writing about an important decision. 2) Background that the story is set in Ancient Rome and involves a strange king using public trials. 3) Details about the focus on character development, motivation, irony, surprises, and setting in the story. 4) Context about the justice system and gladiator games of Ancient Rome providing context for the story's trials.

1. Before we begin...FRONT SIDE OF PAPER:Name, Date, PeriodBACK SIDE OF PAPER:At the top, title it: “ANTICIPATION GUIDE”, then 3 headings underneath…PAINTING(leave room to write)AGREE/DISAGREE (number it 1-4)WRITTEN RESPONSE (leave room to write)

2. “The Lady, or the Tiger?”By Frank R. StocktonThe story you are about to read takes place long ago in the time of the Roman Empire. A strange king uses a public arena to reward the innocent and punish the guilty.Life or death depends on one decision…

3. Anticipation Guide: 1 Paragraph. What’s going on in this picture?

4. Anticipation GuideAGREE or DISAGREE?The Death Penalty is a fair way to convict criminals.It is better to follow the ways of the past than to evolve with new ideas.Jealousy is the most dangerous kind of motivation.If we are in positions of power, we should use our power to get what we want, no matter what.Written Response = 1 ParagraphThink about a time when you, or someone you know, faced an important decision. What helped you make the decision? Describe the best way to make an important decision.

5. Our Focus…CharacterizationHow an author develops the character (looks, attitude, speech, etc.)Character MotivationHow a character’s personality effects the way they behave and act.IronyWhen what actually happens in the story is the exact opposite of what the reader expects.Surprise EndingPlot twist at the end of the story.SettingThe time and place in which the story takes place.

6. We are now in Ancient Rome…

7. Ancient RomeThe Roman Empire rose to power and controlled the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea by A.D. 100.The system of justice in Stockton’s “semi-barbaric” land brings to mind a very real and very cruel practice of the Roman Empire, the games in the collosseum. Here, gladiators fought to the bloody death, slaves and captives were pitted against each other, and criminals were killed by wild animals.

8. Which came out of the door…The Lady, or, The Tiger?

9. YOUR HOMEWORKIn order to practice our characterization skills, you will first characterize YOURSELF tonight for homework. Copy this diagram onto a clean sheet of paper.