The Flag Paramount by O. Henry
A young woman inherits a large sum of money from her father's estate and decides to use it to help those in need. She sets up a fund to provide financial assistance to people who are struggling to make ends meet, but with one condition: they must be willing to give up their claim to the money if they fail to repay it within a certain time frame. As the story progresses, several individuals take advantage of the fund and use the money for personal gain. However, when they are unable to repay the loans, they are forced to return the money and admit their dishonesty. The protagonist's actions lead to a series of events that ultimately expose the hypocrisy and greed of those who took advantage of her generosity.
By O. Henry · First published 1915 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Adventure · 3,981 words
First lines
At the head of the insurgent party appeared that Hector and learned Theban of the southern republics, Don Sabas Placido. A traveller, a soldier, a poet, a scientist, a statesman and a connoisseur -- the wonder was that he could content himself with the petty, remote life of his native country.
What this Textopian page supports
The Flag Paramount is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Satire, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 3,981 words
- Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Flag Paramount 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 Flag Paramount?
- 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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- A Matter Of Mean Elevation by O. Henry
- Mammon And The Archer by O. Henry
- The Guardian Of The Accolade by O. Henry
- An Adjustment Of Nature by O. Henry
- Calloways Code by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, loyalty, and the absurdity of political intrigue, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Satire — The narrative employs humor and irony to critique political systems and the nature of revolution.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey filled with danger and unexpected twists, typical of adventure narratives.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against a backdrop of political upheaval, reflecting historical contexts and events.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Wealth Inequality · Morality Tale · Fable · Allegory · Symbolism · Irony