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Comparative End Reading of O’ Henry’s “The Cactus” and “The Princess and the Puma”


O. Henry's Narrative Craftsmanship and Symbolism in "The Cactus" and "The Princess and the Puma"

Introduction

O. Henry, the celebrated short story writer, employed his narratives not only as a means of artistic expression but also as vehicles for exploring unconventional possibilities. Despite his adept use of irony and plot twists, some of his stories might appear less appealing to modern readers. O. Henry's hallmark ironic twists were achieved through two main themes: narrative reversal and character transformation. Stories like "The Gift of the Magi," "The Furnished Room," and "The Ransom of Red Chief" employed straightforward yet impactful paradoxical coincidences to delve into artistic concepts and deliver ironic conclusions.

Subversion of Genre Expectations

In works such as "The Cactus" and "The Princess and the Puma," O. Henry appeared to play with and potentially subvert the fairytale genre. His storytelling craftsmanship was commendable, creating an impression that his tales were spun as if recounted by a skilled narrator.

Symbolism and Reversal of Meaning

O. Henry's imaginative genius was exemplified in his use of the cactus, conventionally associated with rejection and wounds, as a symbol of romantic invitation. This reversal of established conventions challenged readers to reinterpret symbols in novel ways. "The Cactus" commenced with a third-person limited narrative, allowing readers to glimpse Trysdale's despondent state. The story delved into the subjective experience of time versus objective reality, particularly relevant to Trysdale's predicament. The narrative later looked back at Trysdale's past romances, aiding his understanding of his present misery. Although the narrative was primarily Trysdale-focused, the narrator's voice remained influential.

Character Transformation and Revelation

As the story unfolded, Trysdale's realization of his self-inflicted suffering emerged. The "garbs of pretense and egoism" he had donned were now revealed as "rags of folly." The narrative skillfully built curiosity about the failure of Trysdale's prior romantic liaison. It was eventually disclosed that Trysdale's pretense of knowing Spanish to impress his sweetheart had backfired. When she responded to his proposal with a cactus, he mistakenly interpreted it as rejection. The cactus, named "Ventomarme," was actually an invitation he failed to grasp due to his lack of Spanish knowledge.

Subversion of Conventional Roles

O. Henry's depiction of the lady-love contrasted with conventional feminine traits, ironic in nature. Instead of the woman idolizing the man, it was the reverse, contributing to Trysdale's downfall by boosting his vanity. The story subtly hinted at Trysdale's empty boasts of linguistic prowess as a potential source of his crisis.

Symbolism and Irony

Symbolism was interwoven throughout "The Cactus." Trysdale's removal of gloves symbolized his conscious abandonment of his past and the warmth of love he needed to relinquish. His arrogance, however, led him astray. Had he been humbler, he might have sought clarification from his beloved regarding the "thorny" message, potentially avoiding his pride-driven blunder.

Foreshadowing and Humor in "The Princess and the Puma"

"The Princess and the Puma" employs humor and foreshadowing to captivate readers. The interruptions and witty commentary enhance the narrative, culminating in a surprising climax. The story follows the conventional pattern of genre while imbuing a universal sense of defeat in the face of fate.

Role Reversal of Archetypes

Josefa O'Donnell, a cowgirl princess, defies archetypes by saving Ripley Givens from a mountain lion instead of being rescued. O. Henry's signature twist emerges when it's revealed that the lion was Ripley's pet, suggesting it had plagued other ranches. This technique showcases O. Henry's hallmark surprise endings.

Conclusion

O. Henry's "The Cactus" and "The Princess and the Puma" exemplify his narrative finesse, employing reversals and symbolism to captivate readers. He not only adheres to short story conventions but transcends them, crafting stories that offer universal insights into the human condition and the ironic twists of fate.

Ardhendu De

Refe: Wkipedia, Encarta

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