Explaining It by O. Henry (1909)
The story revolves around a man who is struggling to make ends meet and is forced to pawn his watch for $10. He then meets a woman who offers him $20 in exchange for the watch, but he refuses, realizing that she intends to return it to its rightful owner. The man's decision ultimately leads to a series of events that result in him being rewarded with a large sum of money.
By O. Henry · First published 1909 · Genre: Short Story, Humor, Social Commentary · 83 words
First lines
A member of the Texas Legislature from one of the eastern counties was at the chrysanthemum show at Turner Hall last Thursday night, and was making himself agreeable to one of the lady managers.
"You were in the House at the last session, I believe? " she inquired.
"Well, madam," he said, "I was in the House, but the Senate had me for about forty-five dollars when we adjourned. "
What this Textopian page supports
Explaining It is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Humor, Social Commentary, Realism, Drama
- Length: 83 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story within a limited word count.
- Humor — The dialogue and situations presented are infused with wit and irony, characteristic of comedic storytelling.
- Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on societal norms and political dynamics, providing insight into human behavior and relationships.
- Realism — The portrayal of characters and settings is grounded in everyday life, emphasizing authenticity and relatable experiences.
Tags
Short Story Collection · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Realism · Irony · Twist Ending · Plot Twist · Moral Lesson · Character Study · Psychological Insight