Phoebe by O. Henry (1902)
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and the man's family discovers her true intentions. The family decides to take matters into their own hands, leading to a tragic outcome.
By O. Henry · First published 1902 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Humor · 7,359 words
First lines
"You are a man of many novel adventures and varied enterprises," I said to Captain Patricio Maloné. "Do you believe that the possible element of good luck or bad luck -- if there is such a thing as luck -- has influenced your career or persisted for or against you to such an extent that you were forced to attribute results to the operation of the aforesaid good luck or bad luck?"
This question (of almost the dull insolence of legal phraseology) was put while we sat in Rousselin's little red-tiled café near Congo Square in New Orleans.
What this Textopian page supports
Phoebe is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Humor, Satire, Historical Fiction
- Length: 7,359 words
- Structure: 1 section, 113 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Phoebe 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 Phoebe?
- 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
- Smith by O. Henry
- Past One At Rooneys by O. Henry
- The Higher Abdication by O. Henry
- The Day Resurgent by O. Henry
- Inconsistency by O. Henry
- The Girl And The Habit by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of luck, fate, and human experience through rich character development and narrative style.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey filled with challenges and the pursuit of a revolutionary cause, highlighting the adventurous spirit of the characters.
- Humor — The narrative employs wit and irony, particularly through the character of Kearny and his misfortunes, providing comedic relief amidst serious themes.
- Satire — The story critiques superstitions and the concept of luck, using Kearny's experiences to reflect on broader societal beliefs.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Realism · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Marriage · Love · Deception · Moral Ambiguity · Irony