The Cricket by O. Henry (1910)
A young woman named Miss Grace, living in a modest apartment, is struggling to make ends meet as a seamstress. She is kind-hearted and often helps others despite her own financial difficulties. One day, she finds a small cricket in her home, which she decides to keep as a pet. The cricket becomes a source of comfort and joy for her, singing cheerfully and brightening her otherwise dreary life. Grace's life takes a turn when she meets a wealthy man, who is captivated by her beauty and charm. He is unaware of her financial struggles and believes she is of a higher social standing. They develop a romantic relationship, and he proposes to her, promising a life of luxury. However, Grace is conflicted about revealing her true circumstances, fearing it may jeopardize their relationship. As their relationship deepens, Grace grapples with her feelings of guilt and the fear of losing him if he discovers her secret. The cricket continues to sing, symbolizing hope and resilience in her life. Eventually, Grace decides to be honest with her suitor about her situation, believing that true love should be built on trust and transparency. When she reveals her struggles, the man is initially taken aback but ultimately admires her honesty and strength. He reassures her that his feelings for her remain unchanged, and they can face life's challenges together. The cricket's song serves as a reminder of the joy and hope that can be found even in difficult times. The story concludes with Grace and her suitor embarking on a new chapter together, united by love and honesty, while the cricket continues to sing, symbolizing the enduring spirit of hope and happiness.
By O. Henry · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing · 172 words
First lines
When the moonlight falls from the star-strewn sky; Comes the tune of the mockingbird; When the morning dawns and the roses sigh, Then the lark's sweet voice is heard. When all things smile And the hours beguile, Then the hearts of the singers are stirred.
When the dull, cold nigh makes the heart sink low; And the death watch ticks in the wall, And the soul lies crouched like a harried foe, Comes the cricket's merry call. In the hour of fear, With his note of cheer, Rings his sprightly madrigal.
(_Houston Daily Post_, Sunday morning, May 17, 1896.)
What this Textopian page supports
The Cricket 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, Romanticism, Nature Writing, Lyric, Sentimentalism
- Length: 172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cricket 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 Cricket?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and the beauty of life reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Nature Writing — The poem focuses on natural imagery and the relationship between humans and nature.
- Lyric — The personal expression of feelings and thoughts aligns with the lyric genre.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Poverty · Wealth · Inequality · Morality · Ethics · Justice