The Handbook of Hymen by O. Henry
The story revolves around a young man who marries an older woman for her wealth and then plots to kill her by convincing her that she has a rare medical condition. However, his plan backfires when the woman's doctor discovers the truth and exposes him. The story explores themes of deception, greed, and the consequences of one's actions.
By O. Henry · First published 1907 · Genre: Humor, Adventure, Fiction · 5,261 words
First lines
'Tis the opinion of myself, Sanderson Pratt, who sets this down, that the educational system of the United States should be in the hands of the weather bureau. I can give you good reasons for it; and you can't tell me why our college professors shouldn't be transferred to the meteorological department. They have been learned to read; and they could very easily glance at the morning papers and then wire in to the main office what kind of weather to expect. But there's the other side of the proposition. I am going on to tell you how the weather furnished me and Idaho Green with an elegant education.
What this Textopian page supports
The Handbook of Hymen is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Adventure, Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance
- Length: 5,261 words
- Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Handbook of Hymen 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 Handbook of Hymen?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs wit and comedic dialogue, highlighting the absurdity of the characters' situations and interactions.
- Adventure — The plot involves characters prospecting for gold in the wilderness, facing challenges and engaging in a journey of self-discovery.
- Fiction — The story is a work of fiction, presenting a narrative that explores human experiences and relationships.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the value of education versus practical knowledge through the characters' discussions.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · Short Story Collection · Humor · Irony · Wit · Realism · Critique of Society · Marriage · Relationships · Love