The Caliph and the Cad by O. Henry
A wealthy merchant's son is accused of murdering a young woman, but it is later revealed that the actual killer was a cad who had been blackmailing her. The Caliph, a title given to the leader of the Muslim community in this story, intervenes and has the cad executed for his crime.
By O. Henry · First published 1919 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary · 1,730 words
First lines
Surely there is no pastime more diverting than that of mingling, incognito, with persons of wealth and station. Where else but in those circles can one see life in its primitive, crude state unhampered by the conventions that bind the dwellers in a lower sphere?
There was a certain Caliph of Bagdad who was accustomed to go down among the poor and lowly for the solace obtained from the relation of their tales and histories. Is it not strange that the humble and poverty-stricken have not availed themselves of the pleasure they might glean by donning diamonds and silks and playing Caliph among the haunts of the upper world?
What this Textopian page supports
The Caliph and the Cad is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1919 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: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Romance, Short Story
- Length: 1,730 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Caliph and the Cad 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 Caliph and the Cad?
- 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
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, social class, and self-discovery through character-driven narratives.
- Humor — The story employs wit and irony, particularly in the protagonist's attempts to navigate high society while being a truck driver.
- Social Commentary — It critiques social hierarchies and the superficiality of wealth and status, highlighting the contrast between different social classes.
- Romance — There are elements of romantic tension and emotional connection, particularly in the interactions between the protagonist and the lady.
Tags
Short Story · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Fable · Comedy of Manners · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Orientalism · Cultural Satire