O. Henry “The Gift of the Magi” “Retrieved Reformation”

About the Author  O. Henry is the pseudonym, or pen name, used by William Sydney Porter ( ).  Porter was born in Greensboro North Carolina  While growing up, Porter and his sister Evelina would play games that involves story telling, and his helped to foster his interest in writing.  In 1882, Porter moved to Texas, where he worked as a ranch hand, bank teller, writer and reporter for the Huston Post.  In 1896, Porter was accused of embezzling bank funds and was put in prison.  he began writing stories during the three years he was in prison.  After he was releases, he began using the pen name O. Henry, after the Captain of the prison (who he admired).  In 1902, Porter moves to New York, where he lives until he died.  O. Henry’s stories show his understanding of human nature and often have surprising endings.  O. Henry was one of America’s best-known short story authors.

Lit terms  Setting- Time and place of the story.  Irony  Situational-the writer shows a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually happens.  Verbal- the writer says one thing, but means something entirely different.  Dramatic-the reader knows something that a character does not.  Inference – the process of making a logical guess based on given evidence.  Conflict- struggle between opposing forces  Internal- A struggle within one's self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, quiet their temper, resist an urge, etc.  External- A struggle with a force outside one's self, such as another character, nature, circumstances, or society.  Allusion- A casual reference to a well-known person, place, or event.  Suspense- a feeling of uncertainty about the outcome of events, which keeps you interested in a story’s plot.  Simile- Figurative language that compares two things using “like” or “as.”  Theme- a perception about life or human nature that the writer wants to share with the reader.

Vocab for “The Gift of the Magi”  Bulldozing: to bully.  Moral: Concerned with what is right and wrong behavior.  Reflection: Careful thought about something.  Predominate: To be greater in quantity.  Vestibule: a entrance way.  Longitudinal: Lengthwise.  Conception: Mental picture; idea.  Prudence: Cautious behavior.  Scrutiny: Close, careful inspection.  Inconsequential: unimportant.  Ecstatic: a state of intense delight.  Covet: to have a strong desire for something.  Chronicle: a record of events in the order in which they happen.