Reconciliation book cover

Reconciliation

"Reconciliation" is a poignant short story by O. Henry that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. The narrative follows a couple, John and his estranged wife, as they navigate misunderstandings and emotional turmoil. Set against the backdrop of a chance encounter, the story unfolds with O. Henry’s characteristic wit and twist ending, revealing how love can lead to reconciliation and the healing of past wounds. Through rich character development and clever storytelling, O. Henry emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the enduring nature of true love.


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Submitted by davidb on February 24, 2025


								
A One-Act Drama Dramatis Personae A Houston married couple. Scene--Her boudoir. He And now, Viola, since we understand each other, let us never fall out again. Let us forget the bitter words that we have spoken one to another, and resolve to dwell always in love and affection. [Places his arm around her waist.] She Oh, Charles, you don't know how happy you make me! Of course we will never quarrel again. Life is too short to waste in petty bickerings and strife. Let us keep in the primrose path of love, and never stray from it any more. Oh, what bliss to think you love me and nothing can ever come between us! Just like the old days when we used to meet by the lilac hedge, isn't it? [Lays her head on his shoulder.] He Yes, and when I used to pull blossoms and twine them in your hair and call you Queen Titania. She Oh, that was nice. I remember. Queen Titania? Oh, yes, she was one of Shakespeare's characters, who fell in love with a man with a donkey's head. He H'm! She Now don't. I didn't mean you. Oh, Charles, listen to the Christmas chimes! What a merry day it will be for us. Are you sure you love me as well as you used to? He More. Smack. She Does 'em fink me sweet? He Smack. Smack! She Wuz 'em's toodleums? He Awful heap. Who do you wuv? She My ownest own old boy. Both Smack! He Listen, the bells are chiming again. We should be doubly happy, love, for we have passed through stormy seas of doubt and anger. But now, a light is breaking, and the rosy dawn of love has returned. She And should abide with us forever. Oh, Charles, let us never again by word or look cause pain to each other. He Never again. And you will not scold any more? She No, dearest. You know I never have unless you gave me cause. He Sometimes you have become angry and said hard things without any reason. She Maybe you think so, but I don't. [Lifts her head from his shoulder.] He I know what I'm talking about. [Takes his arm from her waist.] She You come home cross because you haven't got sense enough to conduct your business properly, and take your spite out on me. He You make me tired. You get on your ear because you are naturally one of the cain-raising, blab-mouthed kind and can't help it. She You old crosspatch of a liar from Liarsville, don't you talk to me that way or I'll scratch your eyes out. He You blamed wildcat. I wish I had been struck by lightning before I ever met you. She [Seizing the broom.] Biff! biff! biff. He [After reaching the sidewalk] I wonder if Colonel Ingersoll is right when he says suicide is no sin! [Curtain]
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O. Henry

O. Henry, the pen name of William Sydney Porter, was an American short story writer born on September 11, 1862, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is best known for his clever, twist-ending narratives that often explore themes of urban life and human nature. His stories are characterized by witty dialogue, rich character development, and a keen observation of everyday life, illustrating the irony and complexity of human emotions. O. Henry's work has had a lasting impact on the short story genre, and he remains a beloved figure in American literature, with classic tales like "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Ransom of Red Chief" highlighting his unique storytelling style. He passed away on June 5, 1910. more…

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