Futility

"Futility" by O. Henry is a short story that explores themes of irony and human experience through the tale of a young woman whose pursuit of love leads to unexpected outcomes. Set against a backdrop of romance and social class distinctions, the narrative examines the complexities of relationships and the often futile nature of human desires. With O. Henry's signature wit and twist ending, the story highlights the unpredictability of life and love, offering readers a poignant reflection on ambition and the often elusive nature of fulfillment.

• Short story

								
    To be so near--and then to vanish
    Like some unreal creature of the sense;
    To come so near that every fiber, tingling,
    Makes ready welcome; then to surge
    Back into the recesses of the strange,
    Mysterious unknown. Ye gods!
    What agony to feel thee slowly steal
    Away from us when, with caught breath
    And streaming eyes, and parted lips,
    We fain would with convulsive gasp
    And tortured features bow our frame
    In one loud spasm of homage to thy spell!
    But with what grief we find we can not do it;
    The dream is o'er--we can not sneeze.
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes