A princess must choose between two doors, one concealing a ferocious tiger and the other a maiden, to decide her lover's fate. The protagonist, a young man of lower station, has dared to love the king's daughter, an act punishable by death. The king, a semi-barbarian ruler, devises a cruel method of justice: the accused chooses between two doors, and his fate is determined by chance, with the princess secretly knowing which door conceals the tiger and which the maiden. The narrative framework is that of a classic short story, focusing on a single, impactful dilemma and its immediate consequences.

The story "The Lady or the Tiger?" is renowned for its unresolved ending, which sparked considerable debate among readers and critics upon its initial publication. This ambiguity is central to its lasting appeal, prompting discussions about the princess's motivations and the nature of her choice. The collection, featuring this iconic tale, is recognized for its contribution to classic American short fiction. The other stories within the collection likely share Stockton's characteristic blend of wit, imagination, and exploration of societal norms and human psychology, characteristic of late 19th-century literature.