Topical Verse by O. Henry (1910)
The narrative unfolds in a small town, centering on a notably lazy man who relies heavily on his wife for all domestic responsibilities. His behavior drives her to the brink of madness as she fulfills his demands, including waking him for prayers. Despite his Christian faith, he exhibits a lack of genuine devotion, using his wife's piety to absolve himself of spiritual duties. One evening, he instructs her to pray for him before bed, and he drifts off to sleep, dismissing the importance of her supplications. However, the twist occurs when his request to God is unexpectedly answered, leading to a surreal awakening in an unfamiliar and possibly dire situation. The story employs humor and irony to critique the man's laziness and the consequences of his actions, ultimately highlighting themes of responsibility, faith, and the dynamics of marital relationships. The work concludes with a playful yet poignant commentary on the man's character and the unexpected outcomes of his neglectful behavior, leaving readers to reflect on the balance of effort and devotion in both life and relationships.
By O. Henry · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary · 220 words
First lines
(Dramatis Personae: One singer, one baritone horn, one bass drum.)
There was a man in our town, And he was very lazy; He made his wife do everything, Till she was almost crazy. Although he was a Christian man, He made her come upstairs And wake him up to say "Amen! " When she had said his prayers. One night before he went to sleep He made her kneel and pray And when she finished, wake him up; Then this good man did say: "Oh, Lord, please answer my wife's prayer. " And then to sleep he fell. The Lord did, and the man awoke To find himself in -- . _Baritone horns_ "Ta-ta-rum. " _Bass Drums_ "Boom."
(_Houston Daily Post_, Sunday morning, May 17, 1896.)
What this Textopian page supports
Topical Verse is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Social Commentary, Fiction, Satire
- Length: 220 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and rhythm typical of poetry.
- Humor — The content employs satire and comedic elements to critique laziness and religious hypocrisy.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal norms and the dynamics of marriage, highlighting issues of gender roles.
- Fiction — Though brief, the narrative presents a fictional scenario with characters and a plot.
Tags
American Literature · Short Stories · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Poetry · Verse · Literary Fiction · Realism · Irony · Wit · Sarcasm