Lost on Dress Parade by O. Henry
The story revolves around a young officer who is struggling to find his place within the military hierarchy. He is assigned to lead a dress parade, but due to his inexperience and lack of confidence, he becomes lost in the ranks. The situation escalates into chaos as the officer frantically tries to regain control, while also dealing with the embarrassment and ridicule from his peers.
By O. Henry · First published 1919 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary · 2,767 words
First lines
Mr. Towers Chandler was pressing his evening suit in his hall bedroom. One iron was heating on a small gas stove; the other was being pushed vigorously back and forth to make the desirable crease that would be seen later on extending in straight lines from Mr. Chandler's patent leather shoes to the edge of his low-cut vest. So much of the hero's toilet may be entrusted to our confidence. The remainder may be guessed by those whom genteel poverty has driven to ignoble expedient. Our next view of him shall be as he descends the steps of his lodging-house immaculately and correctly clothed; calm, assured, handsome -- in appearance the typical New York young clubman setting out, slightly bored, to inaugurate the pleasures of the evening.
What this Textopian page supports
Lost on Dress Parade 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, Romance, Social Commentary, Comedy, Short Story
- Length: 2,767 words
- Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lost on Dress Parade by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, social class, and the human experience through nuanced character development and rich prose.
- Romance — The plot centers around a budding relationship between the main characters, highlighting themes of attraction and social dynamics.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and class distinctions, reflecting on the lives of the wealthy versus the working class.
- Comedy — The story employs humor and irony, particularly in the protagonist's attempts to navigate social situations and his self-deception.
Tags
Short Story · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Military Life · Disguise · Deception · Identity Crisis · Self-Discovery · Coming of Age · Moral Lesson · Irony