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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 (1862-1910). Porter was born in Greensboro North Carolina
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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 (1862-1910). • 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.
Vocab for “A Retrieved Reformation” • Assiduously: Carefully and busily • Virtuous: Moral; upright • Retribution: Punishment for wrong doing • Unobtrusively: Without calling attention to oneself • Simultaneously: Occurring at the same time • Anguish: Great suffering from worry