Cabbages and Kings by O. Henry

Name: Cabbages and Kings
Author: O. Henry

Cabbages and Kings explores the political turmoil of a small coastal town as a telegram reveals a president's flight with stolen treasury funds, leading to a mix of intrigue and romance among the townsfolk. Amidst the chaos, the community's reactions create a vibrant tapestry of humor and human connection.

By O. Henry · First published 1904 · Genre: Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Humor · 18 chapters · 73,082 words

First lines

Coralio reclined, in the mid-day heat, like some vacuous beauty lounging in a guarded harem. The town lay at the sea's edge on a strip of alluvial coast. It was set like a little pearl in an emerald band. Behind it, and seeming almost to topple, imminent, above it, rose the sea-following range of the Cordilleras. In front the sea was spread, a smiling jailer, but even more incorruptible than the frowning mountains. The waves swished along the smooth beach; the parrots screamed in the orange and ceiba-trees; the palms waved their limber fronds foolishly like an awkward chorus at the prima donna's cue to enter.

What this Textopian page supports

Cabbages and Kings is listed on Textopian as a novel by O. Henry, dated 1904 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: O. Henry
Date: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Humor, Romance, Social Commentary
Length: 73,082 words
Structure: 18 chapters, 1,102 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Work identity for Cabbages and Kings by O. Henry
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Cabbages and Kings?
How does this novel by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Short Stories — The book is a collection of interconnected short stories, showcasing O. Henry's signature style.
Literary Fiction — The themes explore human nature, society, and morality, typical of literary fiction.
Humor — The stories often contain wit and irony, characteristic of O. Henry's humorous approach.
Romance — Several stories feature romantic elements and relationships as central themes.