14/ Why is O.Henry (William Sydney Porter) considered as The Great American short story writer ?
O.Henry (1862-1910), pseudonym of William Sydney Porter, is considered as The Great American short story writer, best known for his ironic plot twists and surprise endings. Drawing on his life experience, O.Henry published over 500 short stories in dozen of widely read periodicals, which made him recognized as one the most popular writes in America. O.Henry’s most famous stories, such as “The Gift of the Magi”, “The Furnished Room” and “The Ransom of Red Chief” make simple yet effective use of paradoxical coincidences to produce ironic endings. For example, in “The Gift of the Magi”, a husband sells his watch to buy his wife a Christmas present of a pair of hair combs; but, she cuts and sells her long hair to buy him a Christmas present of a new chain for his watch. His style of storytelling becomes a model not only for short fiction, but also for American motion pictures and television programs.
