Cape Jessamines by O. Henry (1902)

Name: Cape Jessamines
Author: O. Henry

The narrative unfolds through a conversation between two characters, one of whom recounts a painful love story. The speaker expresses a deep aversion to the scent of cape jessamines, which evokes memories of lost love and regret. He recalls his infatuation with Rosamond, a beautiful woman admired by many suitors. On a summer night, he and Rosamond shared a romantic moment, counting falling stars and exchanging kisses. The atmosphere was charged with youthful passion, but the speaker's recollections are tinged with sorrow. He describes how the fragrance of the flowers, which adorned Rosamond, now serves as a painful reminder of his past. As he narrates, he becomes increasingly agitated, seeking wine to calm his nerves. The story reveals that he eventually married Rosamond, but the relationship did not bring him the happiness he anticipated. Instead, the memories associated with the flowers have become a source of torment, leading him to despise them. The tale explores themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of memory, illustrating how certain scents can trigger profound emotional responses. The speaker's struggle with his feelings highlights the complexity of love and the lasting impact of regret.

By O. Henry · First published 1902 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama · 708 words

First lines

"Cape jessamines! Remove them from my sight! I can not bear that odor, cloying sweet, That hangs about them like a heavy sigh. They bring back to my memory haunting days Of deep regret, and open all my wounds again. Fair, dream-like flower, that in this Southern town Within the dark green copses of thy birth Hangeth faint and heavy with thine own sweet breath, To me ye are a mockery, and your odor foul. Come, sit thee down, Rinaldo, I will tell thee all. Knewest thou fair Rosamond, the Houston belle, Who years ago, like some fair Lorelei of old Upon the hearts of all our gallants set her feet? I loved her madly and I swore to win Her from the suing courtiers in her train. Alas! Rinaldo -- this sudden faintness -- quick -- some wine! Ah! thanks, it gives me strength to tell the tale. For years I have not been myself. Since one Sad night that in my mem'ry burns white-hot Like some sad bark that washes, derelict Within the trough of sullen alien tides, I've drifted down the mournful muttering seas; But at the smell of jessamines, my brain Quick strikes those aching chords of old, And all the latest agony revives.

What this Textopian page supports

Cape Jessamines is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama, Southern Gothic, Poetry
Length: 708 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional themes, character introspection, and the complexities of love and memory.
Romance — The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship and the protagonist's feelings for Rosamond.
Drama — The narrative contains dramatic elements, including conflict, emotional turmoil, and a reflective monologue.
Southern Gothic — The setting and themes reflect Southern culture, with an emphasis on nostalgia and haunting memories.