the passage from "The Lady, or the Tiger?"
The institution was a very popular one. When the people gathered together on one of the great trial days, they never knew whether they were to witness a bloody slaughter or a hilarious wedding. This element of uncertainty lent an interest to the occasion which it could not otherwise have attained. Thus, the masses were entertained and pleased, and the thinking part of the community could bring no charge of unfairness against this plan, for did not the accused person have the whole matter in his own hands?
A theme in the story is that humans sometimes find entertainment in others' misfortunes.
How does this passage illustrate that theme?
The Lady, or the Tiger?
Responses
Seeing the prisoner make a fateful decision entertained the crowds and added suspense. This shows that the crowds enjoyed watching others suffer.
Seeing the prisoner make a fateful decision entertained the crowds and added suspense. This shows that the crowds enjoyed watching others suffer.
The crowds were entertained by the chance for a wedding. This shows that the crowds enjoyed love and romance.
The crowds were entertained by the chance for a wedding. This shows that the crowds enjoyed love and romance.
The crowds were not entertained if the prisoner got married. This shows that the crowds actually hoped to see a person eaten by the tiger.
The crowds were not entertained if the prisoner got married. This shows that the crowds actually hoped to see a person eaten by the tiger.
Seeing the guilty prisoner being punished entertained the crowds. This shows that the crowds were satisfied by a fair verdict.