Brickdust Row by O. Henry (1910)
The story revolves around a poor family living in a small apartment above a saloon. The father works as a bartender and the mother takes care of their children. They are struggling to make ends meet. A wealthy businessman, who is also a regular at the saloon, becomes aware of the family's situation and decides to help them. He starts leaving large tips for the bartender, which allows the family to pay off their debts and improve their living conditions. However, when the businessman leaves town, he forgets about the family and stops sending tips. The family is once again struggling to make ends meet. The story highlights the themes of poverty, kindness, and the cyclical nature of life.
By O. Henry · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary · 3,558 words
First lines
Blinker was displeased. A man of less culture and poise and wealth would have sworn. But Blinker always remembered that he was a gentleman -- a thing that no gentleman should do. So he merely looked bored and sardonic while he rode in a hansom to the center of disturbance, which was the Broadway office of Lawyer Oldport, who was agent for the Blinker estate.
What this Textopian page supports
Brickdust Row is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Humor, Short Story
- Length: 3,558 words
- Structure: 1 section, 76 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Brickdust Row by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Brickdust Row?
- 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
- The Greater Coney by O. Henry
- The Sparrows In Madison Square by O. Henry
- From The Cabbys Seat by O. Henry
- Rus In Urbe by O. Henry
- The Tale Of A Tainted Tenner by O. Henry
- A Poor Rule by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of class, identity, and human connection through nuanced character development and social commentary.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic interaction between Blinker and Florence, highlighting themes of love and social barriers.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and class distinctions, particularly regarding the lives of working-class individuals.
- Humor — The writing style incorporates wit and irony, particularly in the protagonist's observations and interactions.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Poverty · Class Struggle · Urban Life · New York City · 19th Century · Realism · Literary Fiction