Buried Treasure by O. Henry (1914)
The story revolves around a wealthy man who dies and leaves behind a large sum of money to be divided among his friends. However, the catch is that each friend must find a specific object before they can claim their share of the inheritance. One of the friends, a poor but clever man, discovers that he has been given a map that supposedly leads to buried treasure. He sets out on a journey to find it, accompanied by a young woman who is also searching for her own share of the inheritance. As they navigate through the wilderness, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including treacherous terrain, wild animals, and rival treasure hunters. Along the way, they develop feelings for each other, but their relationship is put to the test when they finally reach the location marked on the map. The story takes a surprising turn when it is revealed that the "treasure" was not gold or riches, but rather a series of clues that lead to the true treasure: the friendship and love between the two main characters.
By O. Henry · First published 1914 · Genre: Romantic Fiction, Adventure, Humor · 4,384 words
First lines
There are many kinds of fools. Now, will everybody please sit still until they are called upon specifically to rise?
I had been every kind of fool except one. I had expended my patrimony, pretended my matrimony, played poker, lawn-tennis, and bucket-shops -- parted soon with my money in many ways. But there remained one rule of the wearer of cap and bells that I had not played. That was the Seeker after Buried Treasure. To few does the delectable furor come. But of all the would-be followers in the hoof-prints of King Midas none has found a pursuit so rich in pleasurable promise.
What this Textopian page supports
Buried Treasure 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: Romantic Fiction, Adventure, Humor, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 4,384 words
- Structure: 1 section, 97 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Buried Treasure 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 Buried Treasure?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romantic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- His Only Opportunity by O. Henry
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Genres
- Romantic Fiction — The central plot revolves around the protagonist's pursuit of love and the emotional complexities involved in relationships.
- Adventure — The quest for buried treasure drives the narrative, involving exploration and the thrill of discovery.
- Humor — The writing style incorporates wit and irony, particularly in the interactions between characters and their self-deprecating thoughts.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques social norms and the value of education versus practical knowledge.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Wealth Inequality · Morality Tale · Fate vs. Free Will · Irony · Twist Ending · Plot Twist