While the Auto Waits by O. Henry
The story revolves around a young woman who is waiting for her lover to return from a trip. She is left alone with a wealthy and elderly man who has been watching her from afar. The old man's intentions are unclear, but it becomes apparent that he is trying to win the young woman over.
By O. Henry · First published 1916 · Genre: Short Story, Romance, Social Commentary · 2,321 words
First lines
Promptly at the beginning of twilight, came again to that quiet corner of that quiet, small park the girl in gray. She sat upon a bench and read a book, for there was yet to come a half hour in which print could be accomplished.
To repeat: Her dress was gray, and plain enough to mask its impeccancy of style and fit. A large-meshed veil imprisoned her turban hat and a face that shone through it with a calm and unconscious beauty. She had come there at the same hour on the day previous, and on the day before that; and there was one who knew it.
What this Textopian page supports
While the Auto Waits is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Romance, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction, Comedy
- Length: 2,321 words
- Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for While the Auto Waits 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 While the Auto Waits?
- How does this short story by O. Henry fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- The Girl And The Habit by O. Henry
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on character interactions and a specific moment in time.
- Romance — The plot centers around a budding relationship and the exploration of social class differences.
- Social Commentary — The themes critique wealth, social status, and the superficiality of high society.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth over plot-driven action.
Tags
Short Story · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Marriage · Love · Deception · Moral Ambiguity · Irony · Twist Ending