Some Day by O. Henry (1910)
The narrative centers on a conversation between two characters, revealing their complex relationship through a blend of longing and regret. One character expresses a desire for a future reunion, but insists that the time is not right. The dialogue conveys a sense of emotional turmoil, as the speaker grapples with feelings of pain and hope intertwined with the reality of their current situation. As the story unfolds, the characters navigate their circumstances, reflecting on the passage of time and the changes it may bring. The speaker's reluctance to engage fully in the present highlights a tension between desire and practicality. The mention of a "drygoods bill" serves as a metaphor for unresolved issues and the burdens of everyday life that complicate their emotional connection. The narrative explores themes of love, regret, and the impact of time on relationships. The characters' interactions reveal a deep-seated yearning for connection, yet they are constrained by their current realities. The dialogue is rich with subtext, illustrating the struggle between hope for the future and the weight of present obligations. Ultimately, the story encapsulates the bittersweet nature of human relationships, where dreams of "some day" coexist with the challenges of the present. The characters' journey reflects a universal experience of longing and the complexities of love, leaving readers to ponder the possibilities of reconciliation and the passage of time.
By O. Henry · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 170 words
First lines
Some day -- not now; oh, ask me not again; Impassioned, low, and deep, with wild regret; Thy words but fill my heart with haunting pain -- Some day, but oh, my friend -- not yet -- not yet.
Perchance when time hath wrought some wondrous change, And fate hath swept her barriers away. Then, lifted to some higher, freer range. Thou may'st return and speak again -- some day.
Oh, leave me now -- do not so coldly turn! Thou seest my very soul has suffered sore. Adieu! But, oh, some day thou canst return And bring that drygoods bill to me once more.
What this Textopian page supports
Some Day is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Literary Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Some Day 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Some Day?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Proof Of Love by O. Henry
- The Loving One Again by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- To Him Who Waits by O. Henry
- An Unfinished Love Story by Henry Lawson
- Doomed by Paul Heyse
- Cupids Exile Number Two by O. Henry
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, focusing on emotional expression.
- Romance — The themes revolve around longing and unfulfilled love, central to romantic literature.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and conflict in the dialogue suggest dramatic elements.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character emotions and existential themes aligns with literary fiction.
Tags
Tragic Love Story · Romance · Fate · Destiny · Loss · Grief · Longing · Separation · Reunion · Heartbreak · Sacrifice · Selflessness