The Four Million

"The Four Million" by O. Henry is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The book captures the lives of ordinary people in New York City, offering vivid representations of their struggles, joys, and quirks. Through a blend of humor and poignancy, O. Henry paints a detailed picture of societal dynamics, featuring various characters from different backgrounds who navigate daily challenges in their pursuit of happiness. The opening portion of "The Four Million" introduces readers to the story "Tobin’s Palm," where two friends, Tobin and Jawn, head to Coney Island. Tobin is heartbroken over the disappearance of his sweetheart, Katie, and seeks distractions at the amusement park. During their visit, Tobin consults a palm reader, Madame Zozo, who predicts both good and bad fortune, igniting Tobin's superstitions. The narrative captures their misadventures, from confrontations with strangers to humorously searching for a prophetic man, all layered with O. Henry's signature wit and keen observations of human nature. This sets the tone for the blend of entertainment and deeper social commentary that characterizes the entire collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American writer known primarily for his short stories, though he also wrote poetry and non-fiction. His works include "The Gift of the Magi", "The Duplicity of Hargraves", and "The Ransom of Red Chief", as well as the novel Cabbages and Kings. Porter's stories are known for their naturalist observations, witty narration, and surprise endings.