What it Was by O. Henry (1911)
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and the man's family discovers her true intentions. The family decides to take matters into their own hands, leading to a tragic outcome.
By O. Henry · First published 1911 · Genre: Romantic Comedy, Short Story, Social Commentary · 179 words
First lines
There was something the matter with the electric lights Tuesday night, and Houston was as dark as Egypt when Moses blew the gas out. They were on Rusk Avenue, out on the lawn, taking advantage of the situation, and were holding as close a session as possible.
Presently she said:
"George, I know you love me, and I am sure that nothing in the world can change my affection for you, yet I feel that something has come between us, and although I have hesitated long to tell you, it is paining me very much."
"What is it, my darling? " asked George, in an agony of suspense. "Speak, my own, and tell me what it is that has come between you and me?"
What this Textopian page supports
What it Was is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Comedy, Short Story, Social Commentary, Slice of Life, Humor
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What it Was by O. Henry
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering What it Was?
- 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 with humorous elements, showcasing the dynamics between the characters.
- Short Story — The narrative is concise and structured as a short story, focusing on a specific moment in time.
- Social Commentary — The story subtly critiques social norms and expectations surrounding relationships and material possessions.
- Slice of Life — The narrative captures a brief, everyday moment in the lives of the characters, reflecting their emotions and interactions.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Irony · Twist Ending · Moral Lesson · Fiction · Realism · Literary Fiction · Classic