“Best Stories of O. Henry: 38 Stories by America’s Greatest Short Story Writer,”
by Bennett Cerf and Van H. Cartmill.
Doubleday & Company, Inc.,
Garden City, New York, 349 pages, Grades 9 and higher.
Short stories are difficult to write because the characters and facts must be compressed into a few pages of text.
Library patrons often overlook short stories in favor of full-length novels. Fiction of this type has the luxury of building plot structure and character development. Done well, readers will be entertained and educated.
Short stories are a very different type of literature. In high school, many students are introduced to short stories though masterpieces such as “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant. It is hard to argue against this choice since it is a brilliantly written piece. But this mindset reminds me of a comment a student made to another about the library books I recommended to her class: “Oh, that is the type of book that Dr. Nollen likes us to read. You know, inspiring and uplifting; daunting and painful.”
In response to her comment on my trying to improve my students’ literary tastes, I now offer readers O. Henry. Perhaps the greatest American short story writer in the country’s history, Henry does not try to improve our character. Instead he writes insightful accounts of the thoughts and actions of ordinary people. They are always told with humor and insight. Among his other literary gifts were his absolutely brilliant surprise endings. They frequently leave the reader laughing with the out-of-the-blue conclusion.
Henry’s real name was William Sidney Porter. Born in 1862, he travels many life paths until his death in 1910. He is a pharmacist, bank employee, convict and finally, a writer. The school of life becomes the subject of his many writings. Because of this, Henry understands the foibles of the human condition.
Some of his characters are rogues and others are saints. Even the more roughly hewn characters, while understanding the underside of life, eventually choose higher values. His most famous short story is the tender tale, “The Gift of the Magi.” Another is the humorous “Mammon and the Archer” where we see a calculating father arranging a meeting between his lovesick son and the woman of his dreams. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Since 1919, the Henry Award has been presented to the top short stories printed in American and Canadian magazines. The Award’s purpose is to assist in the development of short stories. What an excellent idea. Do yourself a personal favor and free yourself from always trying to be improved through literature. We aren’t Calvinists trying to read our way into the sainthood of “The Elect.” Though it took me years to understand this; it is okay to read for fun.
If you are ever in need of a laugh, try O. Henry. He wrote hundreds of short stories, and I am sure some of them will be just right for you. Have a great time with this funny, insightful writer of human nature. I have. Enjoy!
