欧亨利小说读书报告英文.docxVIP

Report on Short Stories of O. Henry O. Henry was an American writer known for his short stories that were famous for their wit, humor and surprise endings. His writing style captured his readers and transported them to an exciting world of unexpected twists. This report discusses the different short stories of O. Henry, their plots, themes and literary devices used. “The Gift of the Magi” The story is set in New York City at the turn of the twentieth century. It revolves around the young couple, Jim and Della who are very much in love but not materially rich. They both want to get each other the perfect Christmas gift but lack the means to do so. To buy Jim a chain for his watch, Della sells her long and beautiful hair, while Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. Ironically, their gifts made their sacrifices useless. This short story is a heartwarming tale of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Christmas. “The Cop and the Anthem” The story is about a homeless man, Soapy, who wants to spend the cold winter nights in a comfortable jail cell. He tries to get himself arrested various times but fails. The story is a satire on the rich and their perception of the poor, showing how difficult it could be to change one’s social status. “The Last Leaf” The story takes place during an epidemic in New York, where a young artist, Johnsy, is battling pneumonia. Convinced that she will die when the last leaf on a vine outside her window falls, she loses her will to live. Her friend, Sue, tries to help her and enlists the help of an elderly neighbor, Behrman, who has always claimed to be a painter, but had never become successful. Behrman paints the image of a leaf on the wall outside Johnsy’s room, and the next morning, miraculously, the last real leaf is still attached to the vine. Johnsy recovers, but Behrman dies of pneumonia. The story is a touching tribute to the power of art, friendship, and sacrifice. “The Ransom of Red Chief” This short story follows two