Mammon and the Archer explore themes of love and the power of money. The plot revolves around a boy who wants to propose to a girl but is held back by his shyness. He believes that love should be valued over money.
In this article, you will read the following details regarding this book:
- Author
- Characters
- Summary
- Analysis
- Themes
- Moral Lessons
- Conclusion
Author
It was written by O Henry back in 1906. The setting of the story takes place in the USA. O Henry produced multiple inspirational short storybooks for readers of all ages with themes of love, romance, and kindness. Some O Henry’s top short stories include:
Characters
- This story includes the following characters:
Anthony Rockwell
He is the main man behind Richard’s success. He is Richard’s father who made his fortune by manufacturing soaps. The people who received the inheritance money hated him.
Richard Rockwell
He is the main character and son of Anthony. He tried to propose Miss Landry.
Miss Lantry
She was Richard’s lover. She belonged to a rich family.
Aunt Ellen
She was Anthony’s sister and Richard’s aunt. She supported her nephew in getting true love.
Kelly
A mysterious guy whose entrance revealed the ending.
Mammon And The Archer Summary
It took me a short time to finish this storybook. The story begins with the introduction of a soap manufacturer who is gazing out of his Fifth Avenue house window towards his neighbor’s house. His neighbors had inherited a large sum of money, unlike Anthony Rockwell who had to work hard to earn his living.
His neighbor disgustingly looked at Anthony’s house. It seems they don’t like him or consider him less. In response., Anthony ordered to paint his house with multiple colors. The story runs when Anthony has a chat with his son Richard Rockwell. Anthony was surprised after hearing that his son didn’t waste his money. He felt happy that he had raised a gentleman. Both father and son were discussing on power of money.
Richard and Anthony Talks
Richard said to his father that money can’t buy time. His father asked him why he thought like this. He narrated that he loved Miss Landry. He wanted to propose to her. She is going to Europe in two days. He had little time to spend with her and it was not much for proposing to her. She will visit the theatre where she will meet her family members and will have other meetings before departure.
The story involves the entry of Aunt Ellen. She assisted Richard that he had to confess his feelings. She believed that love only needs pure emotions, not money. She had different thoughts about love, unlike Richards’s father. She gifted a ring to Richard and said it was given to her by Richard’s mother. She said he must give it to his love.
The next day, Richard picked a cap with Miss Lantry. They headed towards the Theatre. Richard searched for a ring in his coat but lost it. He stopped the cab. He searched for the ring while surrounded by multiple cabs, causing a traffic jam that delayed Miss Landry’s arrival at the theatre.
Twist
When Aunt Ellan reveals to Richard’s father that his son got his love, the twist is revealed. Miss Lantry accepted his offer. Aunt Ellen told Anthony that love had gained victory over money. Anthony was silent and started reading books.
The ending showed to readers when a man named Kelly received payment from Anthony Rockwell. It is revealed that Anthony took money from Richard’s father to cause a traffic jam, which provided time for Richard to confess to Miss Lantry.
Literary Analysis
This storybook offers amazing stuff for readers. The term in the title Mammon describes money superiority. Anthony Rockwell believed that money could do anything. He thought it could buy time. He had a discussion regarding money with his son. His silent gesture at the end shows the power of money.
The term Archer symbolizes Cupid who is the Roman god of love. He is visualized as a fat figure who throws arrows at people. This leads to the start of love. If you read this, you will get this reference when Anthony talks to Kelly after completing their secret plan.
- Further, characters like Aunt Ellen are a must in life. She supported Richard in difficult times. I believe she was the key factor behind Richard Trumph in the story.
Themes
- The writing offers the following themes
Love and Wealth
This book provides an overview of the contrast between love and wealth. Different characters had different perspectives regarding these two things.
Father Sacrifice
Anthony played his role in fulfilling his son’s desire secretly.
Support
Aunt Ellan provided a helping hand to Richard who assisted him.
Moral Lessons
I have gathered the following major lessons:
- Although love needs emotions, money has an impact.
- We need a helping hand in hard times like Aunt Ellen.
- Different people had different opinions regarding love. We can’t change it.
- We must confess feelings at the best time.
- It’s better to confess instead of regretting it later.
Conclusion: Mammon And The Archer Summary
In a nutshell, The short story “The Mammon and the Archer” by O. Henry follows Richard, who realizes that money cannot buy love, as he attempts to confess his feelings to Miss Lantry. One of the most notable elements of the story is the plot twist at the end.