The Call of the Tame by O. Henry
A young woman's life is turned upside down when she discovers that her husband has been leading a double life and has abandoned her for another woman. The story explores themes of love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships.
By O. Henry · First published 1904 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Western · 2,412 words
First lines
When the inauguration was accomplished -- the proceedings were made smooth by the presence of the Rough Riders -- it is well known that a herd of those competent and loyal ex-warriors paid a visit to the big city. The newspaper reporters dug out of their trunks the old broad-brimmed hats and leather belts that they wear to North Beach fish fries, and mixed with the visitors. No damage was done beyond the employment of the wonderful plural "tenderfeet" in each of the scribe's stories. The Westerners mildly contemplated the skyscrapers as high as the third story, yawned at Broadway, hunched down in the big chairs in hotel corridors, and altogether looked as bored and dejected as a member of Ye Ancient and Honorable Artillery separated during a sham battle from his valet.
What this Textopian page supports
The Call of the Tame is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Western, Social Commentary, Short Story
- Length: 2,412 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Call of the Tame 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 The Call of the Tame?
- 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
- Telemachus Friend by O. Henry
- The Girl And The Habit by O. Henry
- The Guardian Of The Accolade by O. Henry
- The Enchanted Profile by O. Henry
- The Other Side Of It by O. Henry
- The Unprofitable Servant by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, nostalgia, and the contrast between urban and rural life, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Humor — The dialogue and situations are infused with wit and irony, showcasing the absurdities of social interactions and cultural differences.
- Western — The characters are rooted in Western archetypes, and the narrative reflects themes of the American West, including cowboy culture and the clash with urban life.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the transformation of individuals when exposed to urban environments, highlighting the tension between tradition and modernity.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Realism · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Marriage · Love · Deception · Identity Crisis · Self-Discovery