How it Started by O. Henry (1909)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He reunites with an old flame and they rekindle their romance. However, the woman's husband, a wealthy businessman, becomes suspicious of their relationship and begins to investigate. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the young man has been using his charm and good looks to manipulate the woman into helping him embezzle money from her husband's business. The woman, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage, sees the young man as a way out and becomes complicit in his scheme. The story takes a dark turn when the young man's plan is exposed, and he is forced to flee town to avoid being caught by the authorities. The woman is left alone to face the consequences of her actions, and the story ends with a sense of tragic inevitability.
By O. Henry · First published 1909 · Genre: Humor, Short Story, Social Commentary · 660 words
First lines
"You had better move your chair a little further back," said the old resident. "I saw one of the Judkinses go into the newspaper office just now with his gun, and there may be some shooting."
The reporter, who was in the town gathering information for the big edition, got his chair quickly behind a pillar of the hotel piazza, and asked what the trouble was about.
What this Textopian page supports
How it Started 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: Humor, Short Story, Social Commentary, Drama, Satire
- Length: 660 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How it Started by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering How it Started?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs irony and comedic elements, particularly in the absurdity of the feud and the mishaps in the editing process.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story arc within a limited word count.
- Social Commentary — It critiques social norms and behaviors, particularly regarding reputation and the impact of public perception.
- Drama — The tension between characters and the unfolding conflict reflect dramatic elements typical of interpersonal disputes.
Tags
Short Story · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 20th Century Fiction · Realism · Irony · Plot Twist · Comedy of Manners · Class Satire · Marriage