CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAGIC IN O. HENRY'S SHORT STORIES

Authors

  • Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh Department of Vietnamese Linguistics and Literature, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam
  • Nguyen Truong Duy Department of Vietnamese Linguistics and Literature, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejls.v6i2.631

Keywords:

American short story, humanistic values, O. Henry, the tragic, unexpected ending

Abstract

This article focuses on analyzing the tragic in O. Henry's short stories, a prominent characteristic of his artistic style. By exploring elements such as plot situations, characters, and story endings, the research clarifies how O. Henry expresses tragedy not merely as suffering or loss, but also as the struggle between dreams and reality, hope and disillusionment. Simultaneously, the results also indicate that, even in tragic situations, O. Henry's short stories still contain profound humanistic values concerning love, compassion, and sacrifice. Thus, the research contributes to highlighting the aesthetic value and social significance of the tragic element in O. Henry's short stories.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh, Department of Vietnamese Linguistics and Literature, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam

    Ms. Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh is currently a lecturer in the Department of Vietnamese Linguistics and Literature, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam. She teaches courses in Vietnamese literature, foreign literature—particularly American and European works—and journalism. In 2023, she earned her doctoral degree in Journalism from the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Hanoi. Her research interests include literary theory, language studies, intercultural communication, journalism, the teaching and learning of both Vietnamese and foreign literature, curriculum design, assessment and testing, and professional development. She can be contacted at: kieuoanh@ctu.edu.vn

  • Nguyen Truong Duy, Department of Vietnamese Linguistics and Literature, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Can Tho University, Vietnam

    Mr. Nguyen Truong Duy is currently an undergraduate student specializing in Vietnamese literature in the Department of Vietnamese Linguistics and Literature at Can Tho University. He is passionate about research in both Vietnamese and foreign literature, particularly American and European literary works. He has authored several scientific articles and has led basic scientific research projects at Can Tho University. In addition, he holds an active role in the Youth Union of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. He can be contacted at: duyb2206609@student.ctu.edu.vn

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Published

2025-07-26

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Articles

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