Title: The Ransom of Red Chief
Author: O. Henry
Published: 1910
Genre: Short Story, Fiction
Summary: Sam and Bill had a good idea to make some quick cash. At least they thought it was a good idea at first. They soon learn of their foolishness. It goes like this, they are con men and they need some more money for one of their schemes so they decided to kidnap the son of a wealthy man in a small town in Alabama. This seems to work fine until they learn what a terror the child is. He is 10 and all but uncontrollable in his whims and wishes. After a bit they decide to ask for the ransom quickly so they can leave the crazy child behind them... only to end up receiving a very different offer for the child that they simply cannot refuse.
What I liked about it: This story is fun and funny, the plight of Sam and Bill while at first you have no sympathy for them because they are con men, after meeting the child you immediately became really glad that you aren't the one having to deal with the willful and somewhat crazy kid. Their plight is one that is both entertaining and yet you are just as glad as they are when it is over.
Language: None
Romance: None
Violence: The kid is crazy and he wants to play indian in the sense of the stereotypical view of Native Americans at the time and he does a lot of weird stuff but its never actual violent
Magic: None
Recommended Age: I would say 13+ simply because I think the shallow and yet deep levels of he story and the old fashion humor of it would be lost on a younger person.
No comments:
Post a Comment