THE USE OF IRONY AND SURPRISE ENDINGS IN O. HENRY’S SHORT STORIES.
Keywords:
Irony, surprise ending, sacrifice, selflessness, love, moral message, character, humor, power dynamics, social norms, human nature, expectations, control, material value vs. emotional value.Abstract
This article focuses on O. Henry's short stories that blend irony and surprising endings while captivating readers over the years. It sheds light on how the author defies readers’ expectations through remarkable and thoughtful plot twists in his works, The Gift of the Magi, The Last Leaf, and The Ransom of Red Chief. The study further explores the profound social and moral issues intertwined with sacrifice, human compassion, and the unpredictability of existence that are deep in those narrative strategies. Besides, the discussion illustrates the pedagogical merits of O. Henry’s stories, highlighting how students can sharpen their critical thinking, comprehension, and even appreciation of irony through the author’s narratives. For students as well as for educators, this article explains the impact of one of O. Henry’s enduring legacies: his twist endings transcend mere storytelling and serve as a powerful pedagogical device in teaching literature.