The Missing Chord by O. Henry (1919)
A young musician's life is forever changed when he discovers a mysterious chord that brings him fame and fortune, but also leads to his downfall due to its dark origins and the consequences of his newfound success.
By O. Henry · First published 1919 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Humor · 3,892 words
First lines
I stopped overnight at the sheep-ranch of Rush Kinney, on the Sandy Fork of the Nueces. Mr. Kinney and I had been strangers up to the time when I called "Hallo! " at his hitching-rack; but from that moment until my departure on the next morning we were, according to the Texas code, undeniable friends.
After supper the ranchman and I lugged our chairs outside the two-room house, to its floorless gallery roofed with chaparral and sacuista grass. With the rear legs of our chairs sinking deep into the hardpacked loam, each of us reposed against an elm pillar of the structure and smoked El Toro tobacco, while we wrangled amicably concerning the affairs of the rest of the world.
What this Textopian page supports
The Missing Chord is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1919 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: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Humor, Western, Drama
- Length: 3,892 words
- Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Missing Chord by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Missing Chord?
- 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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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of love, sacrifice, and the human condition through rich character development and nuanced storytelling.
- Romance — The narrative centers around the romantic relationship between the protagonist and Marilla, highlighting emotional connections and personal growth.
- Humor — The writing style incorporates wit and light-hearted moments, particularly through character interactions and dialogue.
- Western — Set in a rural Texas ranch, the story reflects the lifestyle, culture, and challenges of the American West.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Marriage · Love · Music · Symbolism · Irony · Twist Ending