22 pages • 44 minutes read
O. HenryOne Thousand Dollars
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1919A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
In the opening scene, we meet Gillian in Tolman’s office. What does Gillian’s response to learning of his inheritance show of his character?
Why does Bryson suggest so many ways to use the money, and why does he say, “a thousand dollars can mean much or little” (77)?
What do we learn about Bryson Young Gillian’s relationship when O. Henry writes, “showing as much interest as a bee shows in a vinegar cruet” (76)? What can we infer about how Bryson feels about Gillian based on his reaction to his appearance at the club?
How would you describe Septimus Gillian, Gillian’s deceased uncle? How does O. Henry develop his character when he doesn’t appear in the story?
What does Bryson say about Gillian with his suggestion to buy a pendant and a sheep farm?
What does Gillian learn from his various conversations about the meaning of $1,000 and how does this knowledge contribute to his decision about what to do with the money?
How do the cab driver and blind man’s answers to Gillian’s questioning further advance the plot and develop the story’s themes?
Gillian writes an account of his expenditures. What do we learn about his feelings based on what he writes?
When Gillian decides to give away his inheritance, he is happy and whistles down the hallway as he leaves. What message does this memorable ending to the story convey to you?
O. Henry explores human nature in his writing, and one prevalent theme is selfishness. Is it a fair assumption that people who have been selfish in the past will always act selfishly?
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