The kingdom described in "The Lady or the Tiger" is a highly structured and hierarchical society, where the ruling class holds all the power and dictates the lives of the common people. The judicial system is based on the principle of "trial by ordeal," where the accused is presented with two doors, behind one of which lies either a deadly tiger or a beautiful lady, chosen by the victim's own heart. This system is meant to be a test of the accused's guilt or innocence, as it is believed that their own emotions will guide them towards the door that represents their true nature.
However, this system is highly flawed and subjective, as it relies on the assumption that a person's emotions can accurately reflect their guilt or innocence. In reality, a person's feelings are often complex and difficult to understand, and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as fear, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, the fact that the victim has no control over which door they choose means that the outcome is entirely random, and their fate is left to chance rather than justice.
Despite its flaws, the kingdom's ruling class upholds the trial by ordeal as a fair and just system, and any attempts to challenge or reform it are met with fierce resistance. This is because the ruling class benefits from the status quo, as it allows them to maintain their power and control over the populace. The common people, on the other hand, live in fear of the trial by ordeal, as it represents a constant threat to their well-being and freedom.
Overall, the kingdom described in "The Lady or the Tiger" is a society characterized by rigid social hierarchies and a flawed justice system that serves the interests of the ruling class at the expense of the common people.
Sunday in the Park by Bel Kaufman is a short story that explores the theme of the disconnection between people in modern society. Set in Central Park, the story follows the narrator as she observes the various people around her and reflects on their relationships to each other and to the world around them.
One of the main themes in the story is the idea of loneliness and isolation. Despite being surrounded by other people in the park, the narrator feels a sense of disconnection from them. She observes couples, families, and groups of friends, all seemingly enjoying each other's company, but she is alone and feels left out. This theme is further reinforced by the narrator's musings on the way that people seem to be more concerned with their own needs and desires than with connecting with others.
Another theme in the story is the idea of the importance of human connection and the ways in which it can enrich our lives. The narrator reflects on the joy and satisfaction that she sees in the faces of those who are with their loved ones, and she begins to understand the value of these connections. She also notes the way that people seem to be more content and at ease when they are with others, suggesting that connection and companionship can be a source of comfort and happiness.
Overall, Sunday in the Park by Bel Kaufman is a poignant and thought-provoking story that encourages readers to consider the ways in which they connect with others and the importance of building meaningful relationships in their lives. Through its portrayal of loneliness and isolation, the story serves as a reminder of the vital role that human connection plays in our happiness and well-being.
