The Snow by O. Henry (1902)
A colonel's daughter, spirited and adventurous, insists on riding through a snowstorm back to the fort, dismissing concerns about the weather. Her companion, a private named Travers, is apprehensive but follows her lead. As they ride, she displays bravado, teasing him about his fears and their social differences. However, as the snow intensifies, her confidence wanes, revealing her vulnerability. The harsh conditions begin to take a toll on her, and she grows increasingly cold and disoriented. The playful banter shifts to a more serious tone as she acknowledges her fatigue and fear. The realization of their perilous situation sets in, and she expresses a longing for comfort and connection. In a moment of clarity amidst the chaos, she confesses her love for Travers, breaking the barriers imposed by their ranks. The snow becomes a metaphor for their isolation and the potential end they face. As she succumbs to exhaustion, she seeks solace in his embrace, blurring the lines between their social standings. The narrative culminates in a poignant moment where the harsh reality of their circumstances contrasts with the warmth of their emotional bond. The story explores themes of love, class distinction, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of nature's indifference.
By O. Henry · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 1,124 words
First lines
'Tis thirty miles, you say? Ah, well, Come, mount! I am no hot-house flower. I love the cold and the north wind's power; Rioting, buffeting, rushing pellmell. Did you think that the colonel's daughter Was afraid to ride in a little cold Back to the fort? Why, Travers, you ought to Do guard duty till you're gray and old.
Come, mount -- Ah, this is life again; Like a mustang in a hunter's pen, So many months I have fretted sore For a gallop on Firefly's back once more. Going to snow? -- Well, what do I care? I told you, Travers, I am not afraid. There are few things that I would not dare; You can go back if you'd rather have stayed.
What this Textopian page supports
The Snow is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Literary Fiction
- Length: 1,124 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Snow 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 Snow?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the romantic relationship between the colonel's daughter and a private.
- Drama — The narrative includes emotional conflict and tension between characters, characteristic of dramatic literature.
- Adventure — The setting involves a perilous ride through snow, contributing to an adventurous atmosphere.
Tags
Tragic Love Story · Fate vs Free Will · Poverty and Struggle · Social Class · Love Triangle · Deception · Betrayal · Moral Ambiguity · Redemption · Self-Sacrifice · Class Conflict · Romanticism