Springtime À La Carte by O. Henry
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She plans to leave him after the wedding and collect her dowry. However, she becomes emotionally attached to him and decides to stay. The narrative explores themes of love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships.
By O. Henry · First published 1917 · Genre: Romantic Fiction, Literary Fiction, Comedy · 2,531 words
First lines
It was a day in March.
Never, never begin a story this way when you write one. No opening could possibly be worse. It is unimaginative, flat, dry and likely to consist of mere wind. But in this instance it is allowable. For the following paragraph, which should have inaugurated the narrative, is too wildly extravagant and preposterous to be flaunted in the face of the reader without preparation.
What this Textopian page supports
Springtime À La Carte is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Fiction, Literary Fiction, Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama
- Length: 2,531 words
- Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Springtime À La Carte 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 Springtime À La Carte?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romantic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dog And The Playlet by O. Henry
- Cupid A La Carte by O. Henry
- Vanity And Some Sables by O. Henry
- Past One At Rooneys by O. Henry
- Between Rounds by O. Henry
- Madame Bo Peep Of The Ranches by O. Henry
Genres
- Romantic Fiction — The central plot revolves around Sarah's romantic feelings for Walter and the emotional turmoil caused by their separation.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deeper themes of love, longing, and the contrast between urban life and nature, showcasing a rich writing style.
- Comedy — The story contains humorous elements, particularly in the depiction of Sarah's struggles and the absurdity of her situation.
- Slice of Life — The narrative captures a moment in the everyday life of a young woman in the city, focusing on her thoughts and experiences.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Romance · Comedy of Manners · Irony · Plot Twist · Wit · Sarcasm · Class Satire