Vanity and some Sables by O. Henry
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for his wealth and social status. She uses her charm to manipulate him into giving her expensive gifts, including sables. However, she soon becomes bored with the relationship and begins to seek out new conquests. The narrative explores themes of vanity, materialism, and the superficiality of relationships.
By O. Henry · First published 1907 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Crime Fiction · 2,810 words
First lines
When "Kid" Brady was sent to the rope by Molly McKeever's blue-black eyes he withdrew from the Stovepipe Gang. So much for the power of a colleen's blanderin' tongue and stubborn true-heartedness. If you are a man who read this, may such an influence be sent you before 2 o'clock tomorrow; if you are a woman, may your Pomeranian greet you this morning with a cold nose -- a sign of doghealth and your happiness.
What this Textopian page supports
Vanity and some Sables is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Crime Fiction, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 2,810 words
- Structure: 1 section, 63 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Vanity and some Sables by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Vanity and some Sables?
- 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?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of love, identity, and societal expectations through character-driven narratives.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between the Kid and Molly, highlighting their emotional struggles and aspirations.
- Crime Fiction — The backdrop involves a gang engaged in petty crime, with elements of theft and deception influencing the characters' lives.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social class distinctions and the pursuit of material wealth, reflecting on the characters' values and choices.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Satire · Irony · Wit · Sarcasm · Romance · Marriage · Love