Queries and Answers by O. Henry
The story revolves around a man who seeks revenge against his former employer for firing him. He devises a plan to steal from the man and frame an innocent person for the crime. However, the plan backfires when the innocent person is actually caught by the authorities. The story explores themes of deception, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions.
By O. Henry · First published 1911 · Genre: Humor, Social Commentary, Epistolary · 761 words
First lines
Can you inform me where I can buy an interest in a newspaper of some kind? I have some money and would be glad to invest it in something of the sort, if someone would allow me to put in my capital against his experience. College Graduate.
Telegraph us your address at once, day message. Keep telegraphing every ten minutes at our expense until we see you. Will start on first train after receiving your wire.
What this Textopian page supports
Queries and Answers is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Social Commentary, Epistolary, Satire, Fiction
- Length: 761 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Queries and Answers 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 Queries and Answers?
- 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
- Topical Verse by O. Henry
- Turkish Questions by O. Henry
- Some Ancient News Notes by O. Henry
- Modern Rural Sports by O. Henry
- The Remnants Of The Code by O. Henry
- A Sure Method by O. Henry
Genres
- Humor — The work employs wit and satire to address various inquiries, showcasing a humorous take on societal norms and human behavior.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on social issues and cultural practices, providing insights into the attitudes and values of the time.
- Epistolary — The format consists of questions and answers, resembling a correspondence style that engages readers in a dialogue.
- Satire — It critiques societal conventions and human folly through exaggerated responses and absurd scenarios.
Tags
Short Stories · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Realism · Irony · Wit · Literary Fiction · Classic · Collection of Short Stories · Comedy