This is a very short story at 3 and a half pages. A very long time ago there was a “semi-barbaric king.”

When someone committed a crime the king held court in the arena. The accused was sentenced to pick their own fate. One fate, behind a door was a man eating tiger. The other was a beautiful maiden. The accused did not know which door held which. If he chose the wrong door, with the tiger, he would die. If he chose the door with the maiden, he was to be married right there, on the spot. It didn’t matter to the king if he was already married.

When the king found out that his royal daughter had a handsome lover. He brought him to the arena. The daughter knew which door held the tiger and which held the maiden. The accused look to her to give him a sign for the door with the maiden. Did she give him that door or the tiger?

This is a story that is discussed in many high school English classes. I can see why. In my opinion it is not a outstanding piece of literature but it is a good introduction to ethics. It would be a great story for high school student to discuss and debate.

What do you think? You can read the story here.

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