From Each According to His Ability
Analysis of O. Henry’s Short story
The story masterfully weaves together humor, social commentary, and the idiosyncrasies of human interactions.
1. Vuyning’s Ennui and Dissatisfaction
The story begins with Vuyning, a clubman steeped in monotony. His mornings are filled with repetitive conversations and predictable company:
- Kirk and his fish story,
- Brooks with his cigars,
- Morrison with his widow anecdote,
- Hepburn’s billiard luck.
This satirizes the dull, cyclical existence of the upper class, for whom life lacks real challenges or variation. Vuyning’s social circle appears shallow and uninspiring, amplifying his restlessness. To add to his malaise, Miss Allison, a woman he loves, has rejected him repeatedly. Despite the rejection, his persistence to propose again reflects his passive but determined character.
2. Broadway and Vuyning’s Contrast with the World Around Him
Walking along Broadway, Vuyning’s attire is described in detail: a light gray morning suit, delicate lilac linen, a straw hat, and a meticulously tied necktie. The description of his outfit is not merely vanity; it reflects his world — where appearances matter more than substance. O. Henry adds an ironic aside about writing such descriptions, likening it to writing historical novels around Paul Jones or endorsing a hay-fever cure, poking fun at society’s obsession with fashion.
As Vuyning walks, Broadway transforms in his mind into a scene from Morocco — a chaotic, foreign memory full of “dogs, beggars, slave-drivers, and veiled women.” This daydream underscores Vuyning’s detachment from his current reality, seeking excitement and meaning in vivid memories of the exotic past. His reverie is punctured humorously by a woman jabbing him with her parasol, snapping him back to the monotony of his present.
3. Encounter with Emerson — Adventure Meets Monotony
Vuyning’s chance meeting with Emerson (a criminal) injects adventure into his otherwise dull life. Emerson introduces himself candidly as a crook, listing his criminal credentials — pickpocket, burglar, cardsharp, etc. This bold self-disclosure intrigues Vuyning, who finds it far more engaging than the monotonous tales at his club.
The two men quickly bond over their respective “professions,” with Vuyning humorously downplaying his own life as that of a loafer living off inherited wealth. Emerson admires Vuyning’s impeccable fashion sense and seeks his advice on improving his own style.
4. Critique of Appearance and Social Conventions
Vuyning critiques Emerson’s attire with the precision of a fashion connoisseur, pointing out minute details such as the outdated cut of his suit, the brim of his hat, and the embroidery on his socks. This scene highlights the superficial importance placed on appearances in Vuyning’s world. Emerson eagerly absorbs the advice, proving that even a crook values social acceptance and the ability to blend in with high society.
The humor lies in the irony: Emerson, a skilled criminal, turns to Vuyning — a bored clubman — for lessons on refinement, while Vuyning finds excitement and purpose in this unconventional friendship.
5. Emerson’s Transformation and Vuyning’s Reawakening
Emerson’s new look and captivating tales of the West transform him into a sensation at Vuyning’s club. The clubmen, accustomed to trivial conversations, are mesmerized by Emerson’s vivid stories of mountains, ranches, and untamed landscapes. Emerson embodies the adventure and authenticity they lack in their urban lives. Vuyning revels in this contrast, finding his ennui dissipated.
6. The Turning Point — Inspiration and Renewal
Vuyning’s encounter with Emerson profoundly impacts him. At lunch with Miss Allison, he suddenly abandons his usual approach of proposing marriage and instead speaks passionately about the West. His enthusiasm for a simpler, freer life reignites his charm, prompting Miss Allison to reconsider her feelings. She agrees to accompany him to Colorado, marking a personal transformation for both characters.
7. Themes and Symbolism
- Boredom vs. Adventure: Vuyning’s dull, repetitive life contrasts sharply with the excitement Emerson brings, symbolizing the yearning for authenticity in a manufactured world.
- Appearances vs. Reality: Both Vuyning and Emerson navigate a society where outward appearance defines one’s worth, yet their unconventional friendship transcends these superficial norms.
- Renewal through Connection: The meeting between Vuyning and Emerson catalyzes change in Vuyning’s life, leading him to pursue a new direction with Miss Allison.
Conclusion
This story encapsulates O. Henry’s wit and his ability to critique social conventions. Through the interplay between Vuyning and Emerson, O. Henry explores themes of class, identity, and the transformative power of unexpected connections. Vuyning’s journey from boredom to renewal underscores the importance of breaking free from routine to embrace life’s adventures.
