A Double-Dyed Deceiver by O. Henry
The story revolves around a man who marries a woman for her wealth and then plots to kill her by staging an accident involving a train. However, his plan backfires when the woman survives and he is left with a severe injury. The twist comes when it is revealed that the woman was not as innocent as she seemed, having been involved in a similar scheme herself.
By O. Henry · First published 1917 · Genre: Western, Adventure, Drama · 5,200 words
First lines
The trouble began in Laredo. It was the Llano Kid's fault, for he should have confined his habit of manslaughter to Mexicans. But the Kid was past twenty; and to have only Mexicans to one's credit at twenty is to blush unseen on the Rio Grande border.
What this Textopian page supports
A Double-Dyed Deceiver is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Western, Adventure, Drama, Crime, Romance
- Length: 5,200 words
- Structure: 1 section, 95 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Double-Dyed Deceiver 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 Double-Dyed Deceiver?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Western first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Holding Up A Train by O. Henry
- The Marquis And Miss Sally by O. Henry
- The Escape Of Mr Trimm by Irvin S. Cobb
- The Fifth Wheel by O. Henry
- A Technical Error by O. Henry
- The Discounters Of Money by O. Henry
Genres
- Western — The plot centers around a gunfighter and themes of violence, honor, and the lawlessness of the American frontier.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey filled with danger, deception, and the pursuit of a new life.
- Drama — The story explores deep emotional themes such as identity, belonging, and the consequences of one's actions.
- Crime — The narrative involves criminal acts, including murder and deception, as central elements of the plot.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Deception · Moral Lesson · Irony · Twist Ending · Plot Twist · Clever Writing · Wit