O Henry Heart And Hands Summary in English
Overview
It’s another one short story by O Henry that discuss the meeting of two persons after a long time in a train.The story is famous because of its unexpected ending that had fascinated readers of all ages.Here in this article, you’ll learn Heart And Hands Summary, Analysis And Themes in detail.Stay connected.
Author
The story was written by O Henry back in 1902.Some believe this story is somehow relevant to author’s life.
The best thing about O Henry as a reader is you’ll love the endings of his stories.Some of O Henry famous short stories are:
Heart And Hands Summary
The story starts on a local railway station named “Denver“that had one train “B&M express”that had to depart for east.The train had one young elegant women seems full of luxury items “Miss Fairchild”.She was a alone traveller and didn’t want to talk to anyone during ride.She was sitting and suddenly two young men came and sit infront of her.One of man was handsome while other wasn’t interesting.Their hands were tied.
The story runs and Miss Fairchild starts gossip with one young man named “Mr.Easton“.She recognized one of that young man and give a handshake to him.Mr.Easton was in shock and seems ashamed.He shake the hand but his left one because right hand was tied.
Other man had left hand as the tied one.He introduced himself as the thief and Mr Easton as “Marshal“(a ranking officer).The other man even requested Miss Fairchild to tell Marshal to have a calm treatment for him in prison as he got imprisonment for 7 years for faking currency.
Miss Fairchild slowly seems impressed with Mr.Easton as she thought that he’s “Marshal”who was just doing his duty.She even asked her about their upcoming meeting but Mr.Easton refused as he had other tasks.
They talked for long time and speak about their passions.She was impressed the way marshal was holding prisoner by captivating his hand also.Finally,the other man asked Mr.Easton or Marshal about smoking and they both fade away.Marshal left by saying he can’t deny smoking for his prisoners.
After these guys left,she felt sad but she said she’ll join them in future after Leavenworth prison.The compartment of train had other people also.One of passenger said that Marshal is nice gentleman as he cared too much of his prisoners.The other passenger said don’t you think Mr Easton is too young for getting Marshal rank.Further, haven’t you amazed that Marshal had his right hand tied and it’s mostly for prisoners.
There you should analyze the story and came to know that Mr.Easton(Marshal) was convict or criminal while the other dude was marshal in reality and here the story ends up.
Themes
Here’s some themes from Heart And Hands by O.Henry:
Truth And Lies
You’ll get this term as major theme.The way Easton hide himself shows how much he lied to Miss Fairchild.
Shame
A theme of embarrassment or shame is also seen in story.Mr.Easton was ashamed of his crime when he first recognized Miss Fairchild.
Help
The real marshal helped Easton by presenting himself as the prisoner.This showed the kindness of marshal for his prisoner.
Adventure
A theme of adventure is learned by analyzing Miss Fairchild life.She was simply a traveller and living her life according to her wills.This theme sets lesson for those who loved adventure.
Analysis
You’ll get the main ending idea when you read that the Marshal had his left hand tied while the prisoner(Easton)had right hand tied.
If you analyze the above point you’ll came to know that always the prisoner or criminal had right hand tied and this shows Mr Easton wasn’t a Marshal(police officer)but a prisoner.
Conclusion:Heart And Hands Summary
Heart and Hands by O Henry elucidates event in train that defines meeting of two persons after long time.The story simply explore themes of truth and lie, kindness and unexpected ending.
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