A Matter of Mean Elevation
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She discovers that he has been embezzling funds from his employer and plans to use her inheritance to cover the losses. The woman must decide whether to expose him or continue the charade, risking her own reputation and future.
By O. Henry · First published 1906 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 4,187 words
First lines
One winter the Alcazar Opera Company of New Orleans made a speculative trip along the Mexican, Central American and South American coasts. The venture proved a most successful one. The music-loving, impressionable Spanish-Americans deluged the company with dollars and "vivas. " The manager waxed plump and amiable. But for the prohibitive climate he would have put forth the distinctive flower of his prosperity -- the overcoat of fur, braided, frogged and opulent. Almost was he persuaded to raise the salaries of his company. But with a mighty effort he conquered the impulse toward such an unprofitable effervescence of joy.
What this Textopian page supports
A Matter of Mean Elevation is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,187 words
- Structure: 1 section, 51 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Matter of Mean Elevation 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 Matter of Mean Elevation?
- 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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- The Flag Paramount by O. Henry
- An Adjustment Of Nature by O. Henry
- The World And The Door by O. Henry
- Springtime A La Carte by O. Henry
- The Lotus And The Cockleburrs by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of human emotion, nature, and societal dynamics, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and a rescue, central elements of adventure narratives.
- Romance — The relationship between the main characters develops through shared experiences and emotional connection.
- Mystery — The disappearance of a key character creates an element of mystery that drives the narrative.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Economic Inequality · Poverty · Wealth · Status Symbol · Materialism · Consumerism