Congratulations for reaching Year 4 of your American English studies. This year we will read numerous American short stories to build American English listening and reading comprehension skills. Please pay close attention to each American short story assigned here and share your insights and what you’ve learned in the comments section below.
Directions: Listen and read each short story and then share what you learned in the comments section below.
4.6.4: Lesson-6
American short story
”Momman and Archer” written by O.Henry
This interesting story begins with the introduction of a soap manufacturer, named Anthony Rockwell, who is staring of his house’s window towards his neighbor. His neighbor is a rich man unlike Anthony Rockwell. Hé has to work hard to his living. His neighbor hatefully looks at Anthony’s house. It means both of them are not in good terms. in response Anthony orders to paint his house with multiple colors. The story moves forward when Anthony has a chat with his son Richarde Rockwell. Richarde Rockwell is a gentleman and does not waste his money. Anthony Rockwell is very happy with his son. He calls his son and starts discussing on power of money. Richerd says to his father that money can’t buy time and many other valuable things related to life. His father asks him why he thinks like this, then he says that he loves Miss Landry and wants to propose to her. Miss Landry is going to Europe in two days. He has little time to spend with her and it is not much for proposing her. She will visit the theatre. Her family members will also be there.
Hellen, aunt of Richarde assists that he has to confess his feelings, because she believes that love only needs pure emotion not money. She has different thoughts about love unlike Richerd’s father. She gifts a ring to Richarde and says it is given to herby Richarde ‘s mother. She speaks, he must give it to her love. Next day Richard takes a cab with Miss Landry, and they head towards the theatre. Richarde does not find ring in his coat; he stops the cab and starts searching the ring, while surrounding by multiple cabs, causing a traffic jam. Miss Landry gets delay from theatre. Miss Landry accepts his offer. Aunt Hellen tells Anthony that love has gained victory over money. Anthony keeps himself silent, but at the end of the story there is twist when a man, name is Kelley receives payment from Anthony Rockwell, it means that Kelly has taken the from Richard ‘s father to cause a traffic jam which provide time for Rihards to confess to miss Landry.
The theme of the story is love, sacrifice and money power.