His stories often show the economic disparities. For instance, in many of his works, we can see poor characters struggling to make ends meet while the rich seem to have everything. This reflects the class divide in his time.
O Henry's best short stories reflect the society of his time in multiple ways. He shows the hopes and dreams of the common people. In the city - based stories, we can see the fast - paced and sometimes cut - throat nature of urban life. There are characters trying to climb the social ladder or just survive in the hustle and bustle. Also, his stories about small - town life depict the simplicity and the close - knit communities, with their own set of values and gossip, which was typical of that era.
The stories often show the economic hardships. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple is clearly not wealthy. It also reflects on human relationships. People were trying to make ends meet and still find love and kindness. The characters' actions are often influenced by their social and economic status.
The stories also show the social relationships. In 'After Twenty Years', we can see the relationship between friends and how it can be affected by different life choices and the law. It gives us an idea of the social values regarding friendship and duty.
It reflects the society through the characters. The different occupations and social classes of the characters in the stories show the diversity of the 1929 society. For example, there could be poor working - class characters struggling to make ends meet, and wealthy businessmen with their own set of problems.
Many stories in 'O Henry Full House Stories' show the economic hardships of the time. For example, characters often struggle with poverty and the need to make a living.
O Henry's stories often show the complexity of human nature. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', we see the selfless love of the couple. They are willing to sacrifice their most precious possessions for each other, which reflects the positive side of human nature - love and self - sacrifice.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', it reflects the Victorian society's repression of certain aspects of human nature. The strict moral code of the time made people suppress their darker desires, which is shown through Jekyll's transformation into Hyde.
In his stories, Vonnegut often criticizes the dehumanizing aspects of modern society. For example, in 'Harrison Bergeron', the forced equality shows his concern about society's over - emphasis on sameness at the cost of individuality.
In Somerset Maugham's Collected Short Stories, the social norms are very evident. The way people interacted, the roles they played in society, such as the proper behavior of a married woman or a gentleman. The stories also touch on the limited opportunities for certain groups, like women. Maugham's writing was a mirror to the society he lived in, with all its flaws and peculiarities.
In 'Young Goodman Brown', the presence of the devil - like figures in the forest can be seen as a representation of the hidden temptations and the underlying moral decay that the Puritan society feared. The story shows how the strict religious upbringing of the characters was constantly at odds with the allure of the unknown and the potentially sinful. Hawthorne was using these ghostly elements to comment on the society's struggle with maintaining its moral and religious integrity.
They show the importance of family and social status. In many of his plays, the lovers' relationship is affected by their families' standing. For instance, in 'Romeo and Juliet', the Montagues and Capulets' feud is a big obstacle to their love.