In Mezzotint by O. Henry (1919)
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 1919 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance · 1,573 words
First lines
The doctor had long ago ceased his hospital practice, but whenever there was a case of special interest among the wards, his spirited team of bays was sure to be seen standing at the hospital gates. Young, handsome, at the head of his profession, possessing an ample income, and married but six months to a beautiful girl who adored him, his lot was certainly one to be envied.
It must have been nine o'clock when he reached home. The stableman took the team, and he ran up the steps lightly. The door opened, and Doris's arms were flung tightly about his neck, and her wet cheek pressed to his.
What this Textopian page supports
In Mezzotint is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1919 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: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Mystery, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,573 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In Mezzotint 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 In Mezzotint?
- 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?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of love, loss, and the human condition through nuanced character interactions and emotional depth.
- Drama — The narrative unfolds with intense emotional exchanges and dramatic revelations, particularly surrounding the doctor's profession and personal life.
- Romance — Romantic elements are central to the plot, particularly in the relationship dynamics between the doctor and his wife, as well as the backstory of the deceased patient.
- Mystery — The story contains an element of suspense and an unexpected twist related to the patient's fate and the significance of the ticket.
Tags
Short Story Collection · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Realism · Irony · Twist Ending · Moral Lesson · Character Study · Psychological Insight · Relationships