Ulysses and the Dogman by O. Henry
The story revolves around a man who is struggling to make ends meet and is desperate for money. He comes up with a plan to steal a valuable item from a wealthy neighbor's house while the neighbor is away, but things don't go according to plan. As he tries to escape with the stolen goods, he encounters a dog that has been left behind by its owner. The man decides to take the dog with him and use it as an alibi in case he gets caught. However, the dog becomes a liability when it starts causing trouble and attracting attention from the neighbor's family members who are returning home early. The man is forced to abandon the stolen goods and make a run for it, but not before the dog leads him into a trap set by the neighbor. The story ends with the man being caught and punished for his crime, while the dog is left to fend for itself.
By O. Henry · First published 1905 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary · 2,469 words
First lines
Do you know the time of the dogmen?
When the forefinger of twilight begins to smudge the clear-drawn lines of the Big City there is inaugurated an hour devoted to one of the most melancholy sights of urban life.
What this Textopian page supports
Ulysses and the Dogman is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Short Story, Character Study
- Length: 2,469 words
- Structure: 1 section, 68 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Ulysses and the Dogman 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 Ulysses and the Dogman?
- 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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- Squaring The Circle by O. Henry
- A Righteous Outburst by O. Henry
- An Inspiration by O. Henry
- Did You See The Circus by O. Henry
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of urban life, identity, and the human condition through a nuanced narrative style.
- Humor — The story employs wit and satire to critique societal norms and the absurdity of human-dog relationships.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on the dynamics of modern life, particularly the roles and expectations placed on individuals in urban settings.
- Short Story — The narrative is concise and structured as a short story, focusing on a specific moment and character interactions.
Tags
Fiction · Short Story · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Realism · Symbolism · Irony · Plot Twist · Mystery