A Good Story Spoiled by O. Henry
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for his wealth and security. However, she soon discovers that he has been embezzling funds from his company and is in danger of being caught by the authorities. She decides to help him escape punishment by framing another man for the crime. The plan works, but not without consequences.
By O. Henry · First published 1914 · Genre: Short Story, Literary Fiction, Humor · 253 words
First lines
Few nights ago in a rather tough saloon in a little town on the Central Railroad, a big, strapping desperado, who had an unenviable reputation as a bad man generally, walked up to the bar and in a loud voice ordered everybody in the saloon to walk up and take a drink. The crowd moved quickly to the bar at his invitation, as the man was half drunk and was undoubtedly dangerous when in that condition.
What this Textopian page supports
A Good Story Spoiled is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Literary Fiction, Humor, Drama, Western
- Length: 253 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Good Story Spoiled by O. Henry
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Friends In San Rosario by O. Henry
- A Newspaper Story by O. Henry
- No Help For It by O. Henry
- An Unfinished Christmas Story by O. Henry
- The Social Triangle by O. Henry
Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story within a limited word count.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore human behavior and social dynamics, focusing on character development and moral implications.
- Humor — The story employs irony and wit, particularly in the unexpected twist at the end.
- Drama — The tension between characters and the setting creates a dramatic atmosphere.
Tags
Short story collection · American literature · Humorous fiction · Satirical fiction · Social commentary · Irony · Twist ending · Plot twist · Moral lesson · Character study · Psychological insight · Relationships