The Ransom of Red Chief Essay example -- Literary Analysis, O. Henry

The life of O. Henry ties in very closely with the taradiddle The Ransom of bolshie Chief.Life had been well until O. Henry had been accused of the embezzlement of bank funds. OHenry denied the indictment but was still put in jail. In prison, he wrote and published hundredsof short stories in order to support his daughter. O. Henry was once asked why he wrote hereplied that every story conveys something close being a person. Having been wrongly accusedmay have led O. Henry to communicate his belief that criminals receive what they deserve inThe Ransom of Red Chief.O. Henry utilizes a first person point of view in his writing to emphasize the significanceof a single character. The center of attention is chiefly heightened on Sam, the narrator (337). Thefirst person point of view is the or so limited for the perspective is only from one individual.However, this is useful when the author wants to focus the thoughts and actions of only onecharacter. The first person point of view i s recognized by the words I or we, as seen on page337. O Henrys conflict plays an important element in the narrative. In The Ransom of RedChief, two conflicts are established, man vs. man and man vs. man. This is most common withthe protagonist versus the antagonist or a good versus evil narrative. The most easily recognizedis the primary conflict, where Bill and Sam kidnap knot and are desperate for money fromEbenezer (337). The sustainary conflict occurs when Bill and Sam have difficulty managingJohnny (339). Interestingly, Johnny enjoys being kidnapped and relates it to a game of Indiansand struggle (340). This creates an unexpected and twisting plot throughout the story. The twoconflicts... ...e denouement. Bill swears that he will cross the Central, Southern,and Middle Western States, and be tripping for the Canadian redact (347). As good a runner asSam was, Bill was a good mile and half out ahead of him (347). This narrative surpass shows O.Henrys opinion that criminals receive what they deserve.O. Henry integrates his own personal beliefs into the narrative The Ransom of Red Chief.O. Henry communicates a lesson to the reader that actions have their consequences. Likewise, inreality, criminals will not be tolerated and receive the deserved punishment. On the other side,people who commit good deeds will receive a foresightful lasting reward. O. Henry communicates tothe reader that evil deeds will lead to unforgiving penalties. But like the criminals people aregiven a second chance to run away and start a new life through Christ.