Question

Read the passage from "The Lady, or the Tiger.”

The more we reflect upon this question, the harder it is to answer. It involves a study of the human heart which leads us through devious mazes of passion, out of which it is difficult to find our way. Think of it, fair reader, not as if the decision of the question depended upon yourself, but upon that hot-blooded, semi-barbaric princess, her soul at a white heat beneath the combined fires of despair and jealousy. She had lost him, but who should have him?

Which phrase from the passage most helps the reader analyze whether the princess chooses the lady or the tiger?

reflect upon this question
a study of the human heart
her soul at a white heat
who should have him

Answer 1

She had lost him, but who should have him?

Answer 2

Who should have him?

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from 'The Lady or the Tiger' by Frank R. Stockton. The author leaves the conclusion on the readers to decide and creates an ambiguous tone. The phrase that describes whether the princess chooses the lady or the tiger is she had lost him "who would have him" and the author leaves the story open-ended to be determined by the readers. The choice resembles a conflict in which the princess was trapped in. Her choice remains unresolved as the Stockton has provided an abrupt ending and leaves it to the readers.