Correcting a Great Injustice

"Correcting a Great Injustice" is a short story by O. Henry that explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative revolves around a character grappling with feelings of guilt and the desire to make amends for past wrongs. Through O. Henry's trademark wit and unexpected twists, the story delves into the idea of redemption and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. As they navigate their intertwined lives, the story ultimately reveals the profound impact of their choices on one another, highlighting the delicate balance between justice and compassion.

• Short story

								
Something has been recently disclosed that will fill every chivalrous
man in the country with contrition. For a long time men have supposed
that the habit of wearing tall hats at the theater by the ladies was
nothing more than a lack of consideration on their part for the
unfortunate individuals who were so unlucky as to get a seat behind
them.

It now appears that the supposition did the fair sex a great
injustice. A noted female physician has exposed an affliction that the
female sex has long suffered with, and have succeeded up to this time
in keeping a profound secret. Their habit of wearing hats in places of
public entertainment is the result of a necessity, and relieves them
of the charge of selfish disregard of the convenience of others, which
has been so often brought against them.

It appears that ladies who are past thirty-five years of age are
peculiarly sensitive to the effect of a bright light striking upon
their heads from above. The skull of a woman is quite different from
that of a man, especially on the top, and at the age of thirty-five,
the texture of the skull at this place becomes very light. Rays of
light--especially electric light--have a peculiarly penetrating and
disturbing effect upon the cerebral nerves.

Strange to say, this infirmity is never felt by a young woman, but as
soon as she passes the heyday of youth, it is at once perceptible. The
fact is generally known to women, and discussed among themselves, but
they have jealously guarded the secret, even from their nearest male
relatives and friends. The lady physician who recently exposed the
matter in a scientific journal is the first of her sex to make it
known to the public.

If anyone will take the trouble to make a test of the statement, its
truth will be unquestionably proven. Engage a woman of middle age in
conversation beneath a well-lighted chandelier, and in a few moments
she will grow uneasy, and very soon the pain inflicted by the light
will cause her to move away from under its source. On young and
healthy girls the rays of light have no perceptible effect. So, when
we see a lady at a theater wearing a tall and cumbersome hat, we
should reflect that she is more than thirty-five years old, and is
simply protecting herself from an affliction that advancing years have
brought upon her. Whenever we observe one wearing small and
unobtrusive headgear we know that she is still young and charming, and
can yet sit beneath the rays of penetrating light without
inconvenience.

No man who has had occasion to rail against woman's supposed
indifference to the public comfort in this respect, will hesitate to
express sincere regret that he has so misunderstood them. It is
characteristic of Americans to respect the infirmities of age,
especially among the fair sex, and when the facts here narrated have
been generally known, pity and toleration will take the place of
censure. Henceforth a tall hat, with nodding feathers and clustering
flowers and trimming, will not be regarded with aversion when we see
it between us and the stage, but with respect, since we are assured
that its wearer is no longer young, but is already on the down hill of
life, and is forced to take the precaution that advancing years render
necessary to infirm women.
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