Celebrating the life and works of American writer O. Henry. Discover facts about his life, his most popular short stories, and inspirational quotes.
Marking the date of September 11, we celebrate the birthday of renowned American writer, O. Henry. Born as William Sydney Porter on September 11, 1862, he achieved fame under the pen name O. Henry, creating a legendary legacy in the short story genre. The O. Henry Award, established in 1919, is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon the best short stories of the year, honoring his significant contributions to the genre.
Delving Deeper into the Life and Times of O. Henry
Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on September 11, 1862, William Sydney Porter’s mother tragically died during childbirth. As a result, he was raised by his paternal grandparents and attended an elementary school run by his Aunt, who also tutored him through high school. An ardent reader, O. Henry nurtured a love for literature from a young age.
In his twenties, he moved to Texas and embraced the bachelor life. He was not only an accomplished writer but also an enthusiastic artist and musician. He held various jobs that allowed him to harness his creative talents, even working as a licensed pharmacist. He married Athol Estes on July 1, 1887, with whom he had two children.
During his stint as a clerk at the First National Bank in Austin in 1894, he faced accusations of embezzlement. He was arrested in 1896 following an investigation. However, he fled to Honduras after posting bail, leaving his family behind due to his wife’s deteriorating health.
Upon learning about his wife’s worsening condition in 1897, he returned to the United States and surrendered. He was later convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to prison for five years. Even during his incarceration, O. Henry continued to pen stories, earning him significant popularity under his pseudonym. Post-release, he crafted some of his most remarkable works. He passed away on June 5, 1910, due to liver cirrhosis.
Plot Points
Signature Short Stories by O. Henry
O. Henry’s creative brilliance shines through his impressive repertoire of short stories, including “The Gift of the Magi,” “A Retrieved Reformation,” “The Duplicity of Hargraves,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” “The Caballero’s Way,” and “The Cop and the Anthem.”
The Gift of the Magi – An Endearing Tale
“The Gift of the Magi” is a popular narrative by O. Henry that has been adapted numerous times since its publication. The heartwarming tale is especially favored during the holiday due to its significant theme and moral lessons.
The plot revolves around a young couple, Della and Jim, who, despite their financial constraints, sacrifice their most cherished possessions to buy each other Christmas gifts. This tale of love and sacrifice holds valuable lessons for aspiring writers and avid readers alike, embodying Porter’s unique style of irony and twist endings.
Inspirational O. Henry Quotes
William Sydney Porter’s masterful storytelling was often laced with profound insights and thought-provoking quotes. A few memorable quotes include:
“Write what you like; there is no other rule.”
“I never have time to read now. I did all my reading before I was twenty.”
“Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating.”
“Turn up the lights. I don’t want to go home in the dark.”
Inspired Writing Exercise
If you find inspiration in O. Henry’s quotes or stories, try a free writing exercise based on one of his quotes. Reflect upon the intriguing life and works of William Sydney Porter and jot down any thoughts or ideas it evokes. Remember, every opportunity to write is a chance to improve your skills.
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