Literary Elements: Plot

The Lady, or the Tiger? 1

Name ______Score: _____/10

English Nine Survey/Mod _____ Date ______

Purpose Statement: Consider the author’s purpose in choosing to let the reader use his imagination for determining the story’s outcome.

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Frank R. Stockton (1834-1902) was a Philadelphia homeboy who became a wood engraver that loved to write. By the age of 33, writing children’s stories became much more enjoyable to him than engraving ever was. This story caused quite a stir among readers of Century magazine in 1882. National debates argued the outcome of the princess’ suggestion because fans of the story then were just as opinionated about it as the readers of it are today.

Plot is the sequence of events or actions in a story. Often before the actual plot begins, a section of exposition is provided.

Exposition is an introduction; it presents information that helps readers understand the situation of the story.

1. In “The Lady or the Tiger?” the exposition is given in the first eight paragraphs. What information is presented?______

The action of a story generally evolves out of conflict.

2. What external and internal conflicts are presented in “The Lady or the Tiger”? ______The Lady, or the Tiger? 2

______3. Which do you consider to be the central conflict? ______

4. Complications are introduced that make it difficult to settle the conflict.

5. What complications does Stockton introduce into his story? ______6. How do they add interest? ______

A climax is the point of highest intensity in the story, the point that determines the outcome of the action.

7. What is the climax of this story? ______

The final part of a story is the resolution. A resolution moves down from the high point of the climax and usually settles the conflict or conflicts.

8. How does Stockton handle the resolution in this story? ______

9. What do you think comes out of the door, the lady or the tiger? Why? The Lady, or the Tiger? 3

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