Similarities Between O Henry And Mark Twain

O.Henry, Mark Twain, and John Steinbeck. These are three authors that have had great experience in writing classic literature. Classic authors use their unique style to withstand the test of time. Their styles allow them to have themes that are still relevant.

O. Henry’s unique style is shown in his work. He writes with situational irony. This is a plot twist, or surprise ending. In a short story, The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry, Della cut off her precious hair and sold it so she could have enough money to buy Jim, her husband, a present. Selling his watch to have the money, Jim bought Della a Christmas gift(SPP). “And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed

One of Mark Twain writing styles is social commentary. This is when he makes fun of things that he thinks people take too seriously. This is shown in the novel Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. When Tom was in Sunday school and the guest speaker came, everyone was showing off to try and impress him(CX). “And above it all the great man sat and beamed a majestic judicial smile upon all the house”(Ch 4). This proves that he is making fun of people that think they are better and smarter than everyone around them. Everyone can relate to the fact that there is always that one person who thinks they rule everything, and no one could ever be as good as them (CD). Another way that he shows his style of writing is with sarcasm. This is shown when Tom was in Sunday school and the guest speaker was trying to get everyone 's attention and one girl was looking outside. “I am afraid she thinks I am out there somewhere-perhaps up in one of the trees making a speech to the little birds”(Ch. 4). This proves that he was making a snide comment about the girl looking outside instead of paying attention. People all over love Twain’s hilarious remarks and the way he plays with words. Bringing a nice twist to his writing, Mark Twain shows his style in his work with a great sense of humor and a great way of bringing a nice twist to his writing

Noteworthy examples of his style are symbolism and poverty. Symbolism is shown in his book The Pearl, by John Steinbeck, in chapter three. After the main character, Kino, obtains a pearl worth a great amount of money, he is attacked by a shadow entity and is injured. While his wife is helping him, she is trying to convince him to get rid of the pearl(CX). “ ‘This thing is evil,’ she cried harshly. ‘This pearl is like a sin! It will destroy us,’ “. This passage tells us the true misfortune that is to come with the pearl, that each day they choose to keep it is another day closer to their destruction. It also shows that the pearl is symbolic of manipulative evil. Shining in the sun, the pearl seemed like a blessing(SPP). Secretly, however, the pearl causes Kino and his family’s lives to change for the worse. Another example of his style in the book is the poverty shown in it. In chapter one, it shows Kino and his people’s daily life, and how their poverty structen village goes about living. The wealthy towns people live in plaster houses, and Kino’s people life in brush houses(CD). “Across the brush fence were other brush houses, and the smoke came from them too…” This passage shows that Kino’s village does not get the pleasures other cultures do. They do not get to live in plaster houses that are welly lit. Instead, they live in highly flammable brush houses. The townspeople never have to worry about not eating, while the