A Conditional Pardon by O. Henry
The story revolves around a man who seeks revenge against his former employer for wronging him. He devises a plan to steal from the employer's safe and then return it, thereby gaining a pardon for past transgressions. However, the plan goes awry when he becomes trapped in the safe.
By O. Henry · First published 1912 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary · 205 words
First lines
The runaway couple had just returned, and she knelt at the old man's feet and begged forgiveness.
"Yes, forgive us," cried the newly wedded husband. "Forgive me for taking her away from you, but see, I have brought her back."
"Yes," said the old man, his voice trembling with emotion, "you have brought her back. You have brought her back. Bat that is not all, lad; you have brought her back, but you have also brought the part of her that eats provisions. I will forgive you for fifty dollars per month, lights and washing extra."
What this Textopian page supports
A Conditional Pardon is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance, Drama
- Length: 205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Conditional Pardon by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Conditional Pardon?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Higher Abdication by O. Henry
- The Discounters Of Money by O. Henry
- An Unsuccessful Experiment by O. Henry
- Sufficient Provocation by O. Henry
- Past One At Rooneys by O. Henry
- While The Auto Waits by O. Henry
Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs wit and irony, showcasing comedic elements through dialogue and situations.
- Fiction — The story presents a fictional scenario involving characters and their interactions.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on societal norms and the absurdities of human behavior, particularly in relationships and obligations.
- Romance — The plot centers around a couple's relationship and the complexities of love and forgiveness.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Punishment and Redemption · Conditional Forgiveness · Moral Ambiguity · Irony · Twist Ending · Plot Twist · Revenge Tragedy