Frank Richard Stockton, the American writer who wrote the “Lady, or the Tiger”, specialized in writing humorous short stories and novels. Frank Stockton, born April 5, 1834, in Philadelphia, PA, died April 20, 1902, in Washington, D.C. His work is mainly devoted to children’s books. Frank has published more than 50 books in his career. His first published stories were in 1855. His first notable children’s novel, Ting-a-Ling Tales, was published in the year 1870. After 1887 Frank began writing mainly for adults. Stockton’s adventure book The Adventures of Captain Horn is one of the most popular pieces he has published. The Adventures of Captain Horn was a bestseller among American readers.
The Lady, or The Tiger, a novel, was published during the 1880s. The Gilded Age was called the 1880s. The 1880s was a difficult time for Americans. Over six wars were fought in the 1880s. The Second Industrial Revolution was also at its peak during this decade. The 1880s were a bad decade. Frank Stockton probably wrote the short story to escape his daily struggles and wars, and also to show his creativity. The story takes places “in an ancient age according to the story.” Frank compares the setting of his story to that of a Colosseum or arena in Rome where gladiators fought for their lives. Stockton’s imagination also created a fantasy kingdom. Frank does tell us that the story could take place anywhere between 70 AD – 1300 AD. Since the author did not specify the timeframe, it is impossible to find the details. I have been able however to display the dates that the text has been published.
The colosseum that Frank imagined during the ancient times will probably be the one in Rome. There were different types. Beheading and crucifixion. The website Tribunes and Triumphs claims. According to the website, “The punishment was crucifixion, which was mainly inflicted against slaves and worst criminals including Christians. The criminal had his clothes stripped and was then bound or nailed to a cross. The arms supported the whole weight of the body. The wrists, shoulders and arms were put under a lot of strain when nailed to a cross. This often resulted in dislocations of the elbow and shoulder joints. Also, the chest was compressed and it became impossible to breathe fully. Crucifixion has been ranked as one of most painful death methods because it affects both the mind and the body. On the website it is also stated that Roman citizens could not be sentenced crucifixion. Roman Citizens weren’t crucified. St. Paul’s and St. Peter’s fates were different despite both being guilty of the crime.
St. Paul’s beheading was due to his Roman citizenship. St. Peter crucified because he wasn’t a Roman citizen. Jesus, who was not a citizen of Rome, was crucified for his role in starting Roman violence. Many reasons exist for his crucification. The king, with his court surrounding him, was sitting high on the throne on the other side of the arena. He gave a command, a gate beneath him opened, then the accused walked out of the amphitheater. Stockton’s imagined colosseum is described in this sentence. He imagined it surrounded by a crowd of people. The king would be powerful with lots of will and power. In general, people in this period were horribly tortured and treated poorly. The majority of the people did not have a voice in olden days. Generally, it was the kings or queens that ruled. “The tigercages in the kingdom were searched, to see which beasts were the most vicious and ruthless. The fiercest monster could then be chosen for an arena”. This second passage from the tale shows how the king did not take the arenas lightly. He wanted the most vicious, bloodthirsty beasts to be selected for the Arena so that no one could have a peaceful death or easy access to heaven. The person on trial had the right and duty to walk straight up to the doors and open them. He was free to open any door. His only guidance and influence came from the impartial, incorruptible randomness. He could open either door he chose. There was no guidance or influence other than that of the impartial and incorruptible chance.
The final text of the tale explains how to utilize a second way of justice. If someone has committed a terrible crime and is being accused of it, the king will investigate the case. You would be either eaten by an angry tiger, or you could marry a beautiful woman. The punishment may have been used, but it is not known how. So, in general, this time period was terrible for people. Millions of people died.