The Distraction of Grief by O. Henry
A young woman's husband dies and she becomes obsessed with a small, valuable gemstone he had given her before his death. She believes the gemstone will bring her good fortune and help her forget her grief. However, her obsession ultimately leads to her downfall as she becomes increasingly isolated from society and loses touch with reality.
By O. Henry · First published 1911 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Drama · 161 words
First lines
The other day a Houston man died and left a young and charming widow to mourn his loss. Just before the funeral, the pastor came around to speak what words of comfort he could, and learn her wishes regarding the obsequies. He found her dressed in a becoming mourning costume, sitting with her chin in her hand, gazing with far-off eyes in an unfathomable sea of retrospection.
The pastor approached her gently, and said: "Pardon me for intruding upon your grief, but I wish to know whether you prefer to have a funeral sermon preached, or simply to have the service read."
What this Textopian page supports
The Distraction of Grief is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Drama, Short Story, Tragedy
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Distraction of Grief 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 Distraction of Grief?
- 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
- To Him Who Waits by O. Henry
- The Brief Debut Of Tildy by O. Henry
- Some Day by O. Henry
- Too Late by O. Henry
- Jim by O. Henry
- Nothing To Say by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex emotional themes and character introspection, typical of literary fiction.
- Humor — The story employs irony and wit, particularly in the widow's unexpected response, showcasing a humorous take on grief.
- Drama — The narrative centers on emotional conflict and personal loss, characteristic of dramatic storytelling.
- Short Story — The work is concise and focused, fitting the short story format.
Tags
Tragic Love Story · Grief and Loss · Romance · Short Story · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Classic Novel · Emotional Drama · Heartbreak · Sorrow · Longing · Regret