A Technical Error by O. Henry (1911)

Name: A Technical Error
Author: O. Henry

The story revolves around a man who discovers that his wife has been having an affair with him, unaware of her husband's identity. The man decides to reveal himself to his wife and her lover, but in doing so, he inadvertently causes the lovers to be separated from each other due to a technical error in their communication plan.

By O. Henry · First published 1911 · Genre: Western, Drama, Tragedy · 2,816 words

First lines

I never cared especially for feuds, believing them to be even more overrated products of our country than grapefruit, scrapple, or honeymoons. Nevertheless, if I may be allowed, I will tell you of an Indian Territory feud of which I was press-agent, camp-follower, and inaccessory during the fact.

I was on a visit to Sam Durkee's ranch, where I had a great time falling off unmanicured ponies and waving my bare hand at the lower jaws of wolves about two miles away. Sam was a hardened person of about twenty-five, with a reputation for going home in the dark with perfect equanimity, though often with reluctance.

What this Textopian page supports

A Technical Error is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
Language: English
Genres: Western, Drama, Tragedy, Romance, Adventure
Length: 2,816 words
Structure: 1 section, 58 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Western — The plot revolves around a feud in the Indian Territory, featuring cowboys, ranch life, and themes of honor and revenge typical of Western narratives.
Drama — The story explores intense emotional conflicts, relationships, and moral dilemmas, particularly surrounding love, betrayal, and the consequences of violence.
Tragedy — The narrative culminates in a tragic event that highlights the destructive nature of feuds and the unintended consequences of actions taken in the name of honor.
Romance — The relationship between Sam Durkee and Ella Baynes serves as a central element, influencing the actions and motivations of the characters.