The Romance of a Busy Broker
A young broker's life is turned upside down when he falls for his secretary, a beautiful and charming woman who is also being pursued by a wealthy suitor. As the broker navigates his feelings and tries to win her heart, he must also contend with the challenges of his high-pressure job and the societal expectations placed upon him.
By O. Henry · First published 1908 · Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fiction, Slice of Life · 1,646 words
First lines
Pitcher, confidential clerk in the office of Harvey Maxwell, broker, allowed a look of mild interest and surprise to visit his usually expressionless countenance when his employer briskly entered at half past nine in company with his young lady stenographer. With a snappy "Good morning, Pitcher," Maxwell dashed at his desk as though he were intending to leap over it, and then plunged into the great heap of letters and telegrams waiting there for him.
What this Textopian page supports
The Romance of a Busy Broker is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Comedy, Fiction, Slice of Life, Drama, Satire
- Length: 1,646 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Romance of a Busy Broker 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 Romance of a Busy Broker?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romantic Comedy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romantic Comedy — The plot centers around a romantic relationship that develops in a humorous and light-hearted manner, typical of romantic comedies.
- Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction, presenting a story that explores human relationships and emotions.
- Slice of Life — The story captures everyday moments and interactions in a busy office environment, reflecting the mundane aspects of life.
- Drama — The emotional stakes and character development contribute to dramatic tension, particularly in the romantic proposal.
Tags
Financial Fiction · Romance · Short Story · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Humor · Irony · Plot Twist · Character Study · Moral Lesson