O Henry is a pen name used by the American writer William Sydney Porter. His work is known for its compelling narrative, twist endings, and sly sense of humor. He wrote over 300 stories, and many of his works have been made into films, television shows, and plays. O. Henry was acknowledged as one of the most significant American authors of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
O. Henry’s stories often involve clever plots and ironic surprises. His most famous short stories include “The Gift Of The Magi”, “The Cop and the Anthem” and ”The Ransom of Red Chief”. His work continues to be one of the best sources for essay topics. Here are five examples of interesting O. Henry essay topics:
1. Take a deep dive into the themes of sacrifice and generosity in “The Gift of the Magi”.
2. Analyze the satirical nature and comedic elements of “The Cop and the Anthem” and how O. Henry uses humor to make a point.
3. Examine the differences between the views of the protagonist and antagonist in “The Ransom of Red Chief”.
4. Compare and contrast the main characters of “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Cop and the Anthem”.
5. Analyze the use of irony, setting, and point of view in “The Last Leaf”.