O. Henry and The Four Million

What prompted O.Henry to return to the United States after fleeing to Honduras?

How did O.Henry respond to his circumstances while in prison?

What is the significance of the title 'The Four Million' in O.Henry's collection?

What was a common characteristic of O.Henry's stories?

What reflects the gender roles presented in 'The Gift of the Magi'?

Which occupation did O.Henry hold before becoming a writer?

What aspect of early 20th century New York does O.Henry focus on in his stories?

How did O.Henry manage to publish stories while incarcerated?

What constitutes the primary theme of O.Henry's works, particularly in 'The Four Million'?

What year was O.Henry's collection 'The Four Million' published?

O. Henry's Life and Work

Born William Sydney Porter in 1862, North Carolina
Left school at 15, worked in a drugstore, Texas ranch, and bank in Austin
Embezzled from First National Bank, fled to Honduras, returned, was convicted, and imprisoned (1896-1901)
While in prison, wrote and sold short stories using pseudonyms
Released in 1901, moved to New York, wrote under the name "O. Henry"
Published numerous short stories and collections, including The Four Million
Focused on everyday lives of working-class Americans, often with humorous or ironic twists

The Four Million and its Context

Published in 1906, title refers to New York City's population at the time
A satirical response to "The Four Hundred" (Gilded Age elite)
Portrays the lives of New Yorkers—common people rather than wealthy elites
Stories in The Four Million, including "The Gift of the Magi," depict early 20th century life in NYC
Supported by details like clothing, communication, and social activities
Details of the characters (Jim and Della) and their relationship reflect gender norms of the time

Gender Roles and Socio-economic Context

Stories in The Four Million reflect expected gender roles of early 20th century America
Men (like Jim) expected to be the providers; women (like Della) expected to manage household
Women are generally depicted as emotionally expressive; men are more stoic and dependable
Though the suffrage movement was underway, women did not gain the right to vote until 1920
O. Henry's work doesn't highlight the causes of economic struggle in the stories, though inequality existed in major cities during this period of perceived prosperity in American history

Explore the life and works of O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter, who became a prolific American author known for his short stories. This quiz delves into his early life, imprisonment, and the cultural context of his notable collection, The Four Million, which captures the spirit of early 20th century New York City. Test your knowledge of his themes, characters, and the social commentary woven throughout his tales.