29 pages • 58 minutes read
O. HenryThe Ransom of Red Chief
Fiction | Short Story | YA | Published in 1907A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
O. Henry embezzled money while he was working as a bank teller. Afterward, he fled to avoid capture, although he was eventually arrested and convicted. Describe the autobiographical elements in “The Ransom of Red Chief.” What are the similarities between O. Henry and the criminal duo, or O. Henry and Ebenezer Dorset?
Describe the relationship between Johnny and Ebenezer Dorset. How does O. Henry characterize Dorset?
Discuss the ambiguity of Johnny’s role in “The Ransom of Red Chief.” Is he a protagonist or an antagonist? Can a 10-year-old child be evil, or is he a victim of his circumstances?
Address the reliability of Sam as the narrator. Is he an unreliable narrator? Why or why not?
Analyze “The Ransom of Red Chief” as a work of satire. What is O. Henry’s message in the short story? What aspects of society is he criticizing?
“The Ransom of Red Chief” contains little backstory on any of the characters. How does the lack of backstory affect the interpretation of the characters and the plot?
Examine the use of sarcasm throughout the story. How does Sam’s sarcastic and nonchalant attitude impact the story? Based on his attitude, what kind of person is Sam?
Describe the relationship between Sam and Bill. How does Sam treat Bill? Why does Bill stay loyal to Sam?
Write a character analysis of Bill Driscoll. What kind of person is Bill? How do Bill’s personality traits contrast with his life as a career criminal? Why does Bill tolerate Johnny’s violent behavior?
Compare and contrast the symbolic significance of red hair in “The Ransom of Red Chief” and in “The Guilty Party.”
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