A Comedy in Rubber by O. Henry
The story revolves around a young man who inherits a fortune from a distant relative and decides to use it to play a prank on his friends by pretending to be poor and begging for money. He creates a fake identity, complete with a cardboard box home and a rubber suit that makes him look like a beggar. His friends are initially fooled and give him money, but things take a turn when the young man's ruse is discovered by a woman who sees through his disguise. The story explores themes of deception, class differences, and the consequences of playing with fire.
By O. Henry · First published 1903 · Genre: Comedy, Romance, Satire · 1,904 words
First lines
One may hope, in spite of the metaphorists, to avoid the breath of the deadly upas tree; one may, by great good fortune, succeed in blacking the eye of the basilisk; one might even dodge the attentions of Cerberus and Argus, but no man, alive or dead, can escape the gaze of the Rubberer.
New York is the Caoutchouc City. There are many, of course, who go their ways, making money, without turning to the right or the left, but there is a tribe abroad wonderfully composed, like the Martians, solely of eyes and means of locomotion.
What this Textopian page supports
A Comedy in Rubber is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: O. Henry
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Satire, Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,904 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Comedy in Rubber by O. Henry
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Comedy in Rubber?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Comedy — The narrative employs humor and satire to explore human behavior and societal quirks, particularly the obsession with voyeurism.
- Romance — The story centers on the romantic relationship between the two main characters, highlighting their connection amidst absurd circumstances.
- Satire — The work critiques societal norms and the human tendency to gawk at misfortune, using exaggerated characters and situations.
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account that presents a whimsical and exaggerated portrayal of urban life.
Tags
Satire · Comedy · Social Commentary · American Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Irony · Wit · Sarcasm · Critique of Society · Class Satire · Marriage