English

What is the Primary Purpose of “Hearts and Hands” by O. Henry? - English 2 (Literature in English)

Advertisements
Advertisements

Question

What is the primary purpose of “Hearts and Hands” by O. Henry?

Answer in Brief
Advertisements

Solution

“Hearts and Hands” is a wonderful example of O. Henry’s signature literary style of irony. It is like watching a magician performing sleight of hand.

There are three characters: a U.S. marshall, a fugitive, and a proper young lady. They have a chance meeting on a railroad car.

The young lady goes to shake hands with the younger of the two, for she recognizes him as a former acquaintance. He shows great regret at the need to take her hand with his left hand, as his right is tethered to that of the grizzled older man. It is her assumption that her well-mannered, stately friend is the marshall, thus leading to the assumption that the glum man is the fugitive.

It is only as the two exit to the smoker’s car that another passenger points out the obvious. A marshall always keeps his right hand unshackled.It is at this point that O. Henry quite artfully points out that you cannot judge a book by its cover.

shaalaa.com
Writing Skills
  Is there an error in this question or solution?
Chapter 2.04: Hearts and Hands - Assignment

APPEARS IN

Evergreen Publication Treasure Trove [English] Class 9 and 10 ICSE
Chapter 2.04 Hearts and Hands
Assignment | Q 3

RELATED QUESTIONS

In the following items, sentence A is complete, while sentence B is not. Complete sentence B, making it as similar as possible to sentence A.  Write sentence B.

(A) She said that she would return the book to the library the next day.
(B) She said, “She will return the book in the library tomorrow”. 


In the following items, sentence A is complete, while sentence B is not. Complete sentence B, making it as similar as possible to sentence A.  Write sentence B.

(A) His attitude towards his parents has always puzzled the
(B) I have .................................................................................. 


The ailing company was taken________by the government.


Referring closely to the essay Unbirthday and Other Presents, discuss why E V Lucas feels that `unbirthday‘ gifts are better than the regular gifts people give. 


Hardly had the teacher left the room, when all the children started making a noise.
(Begin : No sooner ………..)


Discuss in pairs or in small groups

Living abroad is challenging in many ways.


Given below is a list of words used to develop a CV or a Resume. Prepare a CV/Resume of your own.

Personal Information

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Telephone / E-mail
  • Nationality
  • Marital status

Work Experience

  • Experience/ Occupation / Position
  • Employer / Employment History
  • Internships
  • Activities and responsibilities

Education

  • Education and Training
  • Primary school
  • Secondary school
  • Other qualification

Personal Skills and Competencies

  • Competencies / Personal Competencies / Personal Skills/ Computer skills Mother tongue/ Other languages / Foreign languages

Look for words in the poem which sound like the words given below.

  1. are ______
  2. there ______
  3. flour ______
  4. where ______ 
  5. son ______
  6. threw ______

Do you exercise regularly? If you do, which of the following activities do you prefer? Discuss and share with your partner a few ideas about your preference.

  1. walking
  2. working out in a gym
  3. swimming
  4. cycling

Write an e-mail to the General Manager of a local hospital requesting him/her to send a senior doctor to talk to the participants at the event about the quality of mask which would give them the best protection.


Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×