A Dinner at -- -- by O. Henry (1902)
The narrative follows Hudson Van Sweller, a wealthy and socially prominent character, who is created by an author. Van Sweller is depicted as a gentleman with a strong sense of duty, particularly when he takes on the role of a mounted policeman to cover for his friend, Lawrence O'Roon, who is incapacitated after a night of drinking. The story unfolds in New York City, where Van Sweller, dressed in O'Roon's uniform, heroically intervenes during a runaway horse incident, saving a young woman named Amy Ffolliott. As the plot progresses, Van Sweller's character is developed through his interactions and internal conflicts with the author, who struggles to maintain control over his creation. The author is frustrated by Van Sweller's insistence on dining at a fashionable restaurant, which he believes detracts from the story's integrity. Van Sweller argues that such dining experiences are essential for a character of his social standing, reflecting the expectations of the reading public and the conventions of metropolitan fiction. The author attempts to prevent Van Sweller from dining out, fearing it will undermine the narrative's focus. However, Van Sweller's determination leads to a series of comedic and tense exchanges between the two, highlighting the dynamic between creator and creation. The author ultimately follows Van Sweller to the restaurant, where he confronts him and insists on taking him back to his own modest living quarters to prepare a simple meal. The story culminates in a letter from a magazine editor rejecting the author's original story, suggesting that it lacks the necessary social atmosphere and recommending that Van Sweller engage in more fashionable dining experiences. This feedback underscores the tension between artistic integrity and commercial expectations in literature, as the author grapples with the demands of the publishing industry while trying to preserve the authenticity of his narrative. In essence, the work explores themes of identity, the relationship between authors and their characters, and the societal pressures that shape storytelling, all while maintaining a humorous and satirical tone. The interplay between Van Sweller's heroic actions and the author's frustrations creates a layered narrative that critiques both the character's role in society and the conventions of fiction itself.
By O. Henry · First published 1902 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary · 4,234 words
First lines
[Footnote: See advertising column, "Where to Dine Well," in the daily newspapers.]
[The story referred to in this skit appears in "The Trimmed Lamp" under the same title -- "The Badge of Policeman O'Roon. "]
What this Textopian page supports
A Dinner at -- -- is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Romance, Satire
- Length: 4,234 words
- Structure: 1 section, 88 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Dinner at -- -- by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Dinner at -- --?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The story explores complex themes of identity, societal expectations, and the relationship between an author and his character.
- Humor — O. Henry's characteristic wit and irony are evident in the interactions between the author and his character, creating comedic situations.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social norms and the expectations placed on characters within the context of New York society.
- Romance — The story includes romantic elements, particularly in the interactions between Van Sweller and Amy Ffolliott.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Food and Drink · Dinner Party · Upper Class · Lower Class · Social Hierarchy · Irony