After twenty years, o.Henry

The author of this story is O. Henry, a renowned American short story writer known for his surprise endings and witty, ironic narratives.

The story is about two old friends, Bob and Jimmy, who had made a pact to meet at their favorite restaurant exactly 20 years after they last saw each other. The story follows Bob as he waits for Jimmy to show up, only to be arrested by a plainclothes policeman who had been Jimmy's friend all along.

The central problem raised by the author is the conflict between Bob and Jimmy's long-standing friendship and the fact that Bob has become a wanted criminal, leading Jimmy to turn him in to the authorities.

The main idea conveyed by the author is the complexity of human relationships and the ways in which the passage of time can change people in unexpected ways.

This is a 3rd person narrative, with the story being told from an omniscient perspective that allows the reader to see the thoughts and motivations of the various characters.

The main characters are Bob, the successful businessman from the West, and Jimmy, his old friend who has become a policeman. Both are round characters, with their personalities and motivations revealed over the course of the story.

The prevailing mood of the story is one of melancholy and nostalgia, as the two friends confront the changes that have occurred in their lives over the past 20 years.

The primary external conflict is between Bob and the policeman who arrests him, while the internal conflict is within Jimmy as he struggles with the decision to turn in his old friend.

The story can be divided into the following parts:

Exposition: The introduction of the policeman and the man waiting in the doorway

Development of the plot: The man's recollection of his friendship with Jimmy and their plan to meet

Climax: The arrival of the man who is revealed to be a wanted criminal, not Jimmy

Denouement: The revelation that Jimmy is the policeman who has come to arrest his old friend

Stylistic devices used in the story include:

Vivid descriptions of the setting and characters

Dialogue that reveals the characters' personalities and motivations

Irony in the twist ending

In conclusion, "After Twenty Years" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the passage of time. O. Henry's masterful storytelling and surprise ending leave a lasting impression on the reader.

The storm by k.Chopin

About the Author:

Kate Chopin (1850-1904) was an American author of short stories and novels, known for her literary works that explored the lives and societal constraints of women in the late 19th century American South. Her most famous work is the novel "The Awakening," which caused controversy due to its portrayal of a woman's desire for independence and sexual liberation.

Summary:

The story revolves around Calixta, a young married woman, and Alcée, a former admirer from her youth. During a fierce storm, Alcée takes shelter at Calixta's home, where they succumb to their long-suppressed desires and engage in a passionate affair. While the storm rages outside, their encounter is described with sensual and evocative language. After the storm passes, Alcée leaves, and Calixta's husband, Bobint, returns home with their son, Bibi, unaware of what transpired.

The Problem Raised:

Chopin explores the societal constraints and expectations placed on women during that era, particularly regarding their roles as wives and the lack of sexual freedom. The story challenges the notion of female propriety and highlights the suppressed desires and passions that exist beneath the surface of conventional marriages.

Main Idea:

The main idea conveyed by Chopin is the exploration of female sexuality and the desire for emotional and physical fulfillment beyond the confines of traditional marriage. The story suggests that societal norms and expectations can suppress one's true desires, and that moments of passion can offer a temporary escape from these constraints.

General Definition of the Text:

The story is a third-person narrative interlaced with descriptive passages and dialogues of the characters. It combines elements of narration with sensual descriptions, particularly during the climactic encounter between Calixta and Alcée.

Characterization:

Calixta is portrayed as a round character, with her desires and passions revealed through the course of the story. Alcée is also presented as a round character, driven by his long-standing infatuation with Calixta. Bobint and Bibi are relatively flat characters, serving as contrasts to the central relationship.

Prevailing Mood:

The prevailing mood of the story is sensual and passionate, particularly during the climactic encounter between Calixta and Alcée. The language used to describe their encounter is evocative and emotional, creating an atmosphere of desire and liberation from societal constraints.