The Assessor of Success by O. Henry
The story revolves around a man who has been appointed to assess the success of others. He travels from town to town, evaluating people's achievements and failures. However, he becomes disillusioned with his role when he realizes that everyone he meets seems to be more successful than him. As he continues on his journey, he encounters various individuals who have achieved great things, but at a cost. He sees how their success has affected their relationships, their health, and their overall well-being. The Assessor begins to question the true meaning of success and whether it is worth the price that must be paid for it. Ultimately, the story suggests that success is not just about achieving one's goals, but also about maintaining a sense of balance and happiness in life.
By O. Henry · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama · 2,818 words
First lines
Hastings Beauchamp Morley sauntered across Union Square with a pitying look at the hundreds that lolled upon the park benches. They were a motley lot, he thought; the men with stolid, animal, unshaven faces; the women wriggling and self-conscious, twining and untwining their feet that hung four inches above the gravelled walks.
What this Textopian page supports
The Assessor of Success is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Satire, Short Story
- Length: 2,818 words
- Structure: 1 section, 62 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Assessor of Success by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Assessor of Success?
- 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?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of morality, social class, and human behavior through nuanced character development and a reflective narrative style.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the human condition, particularly regarding wealth, deception, and the struggles of the lower class.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by character interactions and emotional conflicts, highlighting personal struggles and societal pressures.
- Satire — It employs humor and irony to expose the absurdities of social pretensions and the nature of success.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Irony · Wit · Realism · Critique of Society · Class Struggle · Morality Tale