From the Cabby's Seat by O. Henry
The story revolves around a cab driver who befriends a young woman and her child after picking them up on the street. He learns that they are struggling to make ends meet and decides to help them by giving them his earnings from driving his cab. The woman, however, has ulterior motives for accepting his kindness.
By O. Henry · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Humor · 2,018 words
First lines
The cabby has his point of view. It is more single-minded, perhaps, than that of a follower of any other calling. From the high, swaying seat of his hansom he looks upon his fellow-men as nomadic particles, of no account except when possessed of migratory desires. He is Jehu, and you are goods in transit. Be you President or vagabond, to cabby you are only a Fare, he takes you up, cracks his whip, joggles your vertebrae and sets you down.
When time for payment arrives, if you exhibit a familiarity with legal rates you come to know what contempt is; if you find that you have left your pocketbook behind you are made to realise the mildness of Dante's imagination.
What this Textopian page supports
From the Cabby's Seat 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, Humor, Social Commentary, Short Story
- Length: 2,018 words
- Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for From the Cabby's Seat 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 From the Cabby's Seat?
- 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
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- Rus In Urbe by O. Henry
- The Pride Of The Cities by O. Henry
- Not So Much A Tam Fool by O. Henry
- The Rubber Plants Story by O. Henry
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of social class, identity, and human experience through a character-driven narrative.
- Romance — The plot centers around a couple's relationship and their experiences during a significant event, highlighting emotional connections.
- Humor — The writing style incorporates wit and irony, particularly in the cabby's perspective and interactions.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and the perception of individuals based on their social status.
Tags
Short Story · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Realism · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Urban Life · Class Struggle · Poverty · Wealth Inequality · Morality Tale