Cheap Rooms and Restless Hearts: A Study of Formula in the Urban Tales of William Sydney Porter

by Karen Charmaine Blansfield

Overview

This book provides close look at the predominant character types and plot patterns found in the urban stories of William Sydney Porter (more familiarly known as O. Henry), analyzing how these elements structure his tales and contribute to his popular formulas. Blansfield also examines Porter's adventurous but troubled background-as a ranch hand, cowboy, bank teller, journalist, prisoner, fugitive, and more-to see how his own experience shaped these aspects of his fiction. The book considers how the bustling, turbulent conditions of New York City at the turn of the century helped to launch Porter's [O. Henry's] meteoric career.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780879724214
Publisher:	University of Wisconsin Press
Publication date:	06/15/1988
Edition description:	1
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Karen Charmaine Blansfield is assistant professor of drama at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Editorial Reviews

Able scrutiny of predominant character types and plot patterns found in Porter's urban stories. Provides a re-evaluation of Porter's position in and contributions to American popular fiction, and his ultimate artistic achievement. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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