Hearts and Hands by O. Henry (1914)
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and the man's family pressures him to marry her. However, he has no intention of doing so and instead plans to abandon her. The woman discovers his plan and takes drastic action to ensure she is provided for.
By O. Henry · First published 1914 · Genre: Short Story, Literary Fiction, Drama · 1,113 words
First lines
At Denver there was an influx of passengers into the coaches on the eastbound B. & M. express. In one coach there sat a very pretty young woman dressed in elegant taste and surrounded by all the luxurious comforts of an experienced traveler. Among the newcomers were two young men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and manner; the other a ruffled, glum-faced person, heavily built and roughly dressed. The two were handcuffed together.
What this Textopian page supports
Hearts and Hands 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: Short Story, Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,113 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hearts and Hands by O. Henry
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Poet And The Peasant by O. Henry
- The Voice Of The City by O. Henry
- The Call Of The Tame by O. Henry
- A Years Supply by O. Henry
- Explaining It by O. Henry
- Innocents Of Broadway by O. Henry
Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story within a limited word count.
- Literary Fiction — It explores complex themes of identity, social status, and perception through character interactions.
- Drama — The dialogue-driven plot reveals emotional tension and character development, typical of dramatic storytelling.
- Romance — The story features romantic undertones and explores relationships, particularly through the interactions between the characters.
Tags
Short Story Collection · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Realism · Poverty · Class Struggle · Love · Marriage · Family · Friendship