“The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

“The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry, first published in 1910, is part of the short story collection Whirligigs, which showcases O. Henry’s signature wit and penchant for unexpected twists. The story features a widower named Mr. Coulson who finds himself smitten with his housekeeper, Mrs. Widdup, during the romantically charged atmosphere of May. However, his plans for wedded bliss are complicated by his disapproving daughter, setting the stage for a humorous exploration of love, class, and societal expectations.

Main Events in “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

Literary Devices in “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Mr. Coulson twisted the ends of his white mustache”	Repetition of initial consonant sounds “t” in neighboring words, creating a rhythmic effect.
Simile	“Pixies and flibbertigibbets haunt the budding woods”	Comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”, highlighting the mischievous nature of May.
Personification	“May nature holds up at us a chiding finger”	Attribution of human qualities to nature, giving the impression that nature is scolding humanity.
Metaphor	“Cupid shoots blindfolded”	Implied comparison between Cupid’s actions and someone shooting blindly, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of love.
Hyperbole	“Millionaires marry stenographers”	Exaggerated statement used for emphasis or effect, highlighting the unexpectedness of May’s influence on behavior.
Irony	“Miss Coulson wanted to see him in the basement”	The irony lies in Miss Coulson’s unusual request for the iceman to come to the basement, which leads to unexpected consequences later in the story.
Foreshadowing	“She knew that elderly men and thick-waisted women jumped as educated fleas in the ridiculous train of May”	The suggestion that May’s influence will lead to unexpected romantic entanglements later in the story.
Symbolism	“Heavenly odours and fragrant mildness entered”	The scent symbolizes the return of warmth and normalcy to Mr. Coulson’s home, marking the end of May’s disruptive influence.
Oxymoron	“Rogue though she be and disturber of sane men’s peace”	The juxtaposition of “rogue” and “disturber of peace” emphasizes the contradictory nature of May’s influence, which disrupts the usual order of things.
Paradox	“Miss Coulson was proof against the season”	The contradiction lies in Miss Coulson’s immunity to May’s influence despite acknowledging its power over others.
Satire	“Lineal scions of the pansy and the chimpanzee”	O. Henry satirizes human arrogance by comparing humans to pansies and chimpanzees, highlighting our connection to the natural world.
Epithet	“Mrs. Widdup, cheerfully dimpling in many places”	Descriptive phrase used to characterize a person or thing, emphasizing Mrs. Widdup’s cheerful demeanor.
Onomatopoeia	“Sparrows wrangled happily everywhere outdoors”	Use of words that imitate natural sounds, creating a vivid auditory image of sparrows chirping.
Juxtaposition	“In stalked Miss Van Meeker Constantia Coulson, bony, durable, tall, high-nosed”	Placing two contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences, emphasizing Miss Coulson’s stern demeanor.
Allegory	May as a personified force influencing human behavior	May symbolizes the unpredictable and disruptive nature of life and love, serving as an allegory for the chaos and whimsy of the human experience.
Euphemism	“Exclaimed Mrs. Widdup; ‘you were saying yesterday, sir — ‘”	Substitution of a mild or vague expression for one thought to be offensive or harsh, downplaying the interruption of Mr. Coulson’s speech.
Anaphora	“In May Cupid shoots blindfolded — millionaires marry stenographers; wise professors woo white-aproned gum-chewers…”	Repetition of the phrase “In May” to emphasize the variety of unexpected events that occur during the month.
Assonance	“An old, fat, irresponsible, one-sided object like you”	Repetition of vowel sounds within neighboring words, creating a musical or rhythmic effect.
Antithesis	“A true heart… and — but what will my daughter say, Mrs. Widdup?”	Contrast between the idea of a true heart and the potential disapproval of Mr. Coulson’s daughter, highlighting his internal conflict.
Allusion	“A y– that is, a man’s — fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love”	Reference to Tennyson’s poem “Locksley Hall,” invoking the idea of springtime and

Characterization in “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

Major Characters

• Mr. Coulson:
  • Described as elderly, wealthy, and afflicted with gout.
  • Characterized by his vulnerability to May’s influence, as seen in his interactions with Mrs. Widdup and his daughter.
  • Example: Mr. Coulson’s discomfort and confusion due to May’s disruptive effects on his household.
• Miss Van Meeker Constantia Coulson:
  • Mr. Coulson’s daughter, portrayed as stern, aloof, and unaffected by May’s charms.
  • Characterized by her disdain for romantic sentimentality and her practical nature.
  • Example: Miss Coulson’s indifference to May’s influence and her focus on practical matters, such as her inquiry about Mrs. Widdup’s vacation plans.
• Mrs. Widdup:
  • The housekeeper, described as comely, cheerful, and flirtatious.
  • Characterized by her warmth, practicality, and willingness to care for Mr. Coulson.
  • Example: Mrs. Widdup’s actions to remedy the unseasonable cold in Mr. Coulson’s home, demonstrating her resourcefulness and dedication to his well-being.

Minor Characters

• The Iceman:
  • A minor character who interacts briefly with Miss Coulson, demonstrating admiration for her initiative.
  • Characterized by his admiration for Miss Coulson’s unconventional request for large amounts of ice.
  • Example: The iceman’s reaction to Miss Coulson’s request and his willingness to accommodate her unusual demand.
• Higgins:
  • Mr. Coulson’s servant, mentioned briefly in the story.
  • Characterized by his obedience and readiness to assist Mr. Coulson.
  • Example: Higgins’ response to Mr. Coulson’s calls for assistance and his actions to address Mr. Coulson’s discomfort in the unseasonable cold.
• Unspecified Elders and Thick-Waisted Women:
  • Mentioned as examples of individuals influenced by May’s whims.
  • Characterized by their susceptibility to May’s influence, as suggested by O. Henry.
  • Example: The general description of elderly men and thick-waisted women as being swept up in May’s influence, highlighting the widespread impact of May’s mischief.

Major Themes in “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

1. The Capriciousness of Love and Romance: O. Henry explores the unpredictable and whimsical nature of love and romance, particularly during the month of May. Through characters like Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup, the story illustrates how love can unexpectedly blossom between unlikely pairs, such as an elderly man and his housekeeper. Despite Mr. Coulson’s initial discomfort and skepticism, May’s influence leads him to express affection for Mrs. Widdup, highlighting the transformative power of romantic feelings. Similarly, the elopement of Miss Coulson with the iceman exemplifies how love can defy societal expectations and conventions, emphasizing the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of romantic relationships.
2. Resilience and Adaptability in the Face of Adversity: “The Marry Month of May” portrays characters who demonstrate resilience and adaptability when confronted with unexpected challenges. Despite the unseasonable cold brought about by Miss Coulson’s unusual request for large quantities of ice, characters like Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup find ways to cope and overcome obstacles. Mrs. Widdup’s resourcefulness in identifying and addressing the cause of the cold, as well as Mr. Coulson’s eventual acceptance and warmth towards her, exemplify the resilience of the human spirit in navigating adversity and finding solutions to unforeseen circumstances.
3. Satire of Social Norms and Expectations: O. Henry employs satire to critique societal norms and expectations surrounding love, marriage, and social class. The story satirizes the traditional notions of romantic love and marriage by depicting unconventional relationships, such as the potential romance between Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup. Additionally, the elopement of Miss Coulson with the iceman satirizes social expectations regarding appropriate partners and relationships, highlighting the arbitrary nature of societal conventions and the absurdity of rigid class distinctions.
4. The Power of Individual Agency and Choice: “The Marry Month of May” explores the theme of individual agency and the power of personal choice in shaping one’s destiny. Despite the influence of external forces like May’s mischief and societal expectations, characters like Mrs. Widdup and Miss Coulson exercise agency in making decisions that defy convention and societal norms. Mrs. Widdup takes proactive steps to address the unseasonable cold in Mr. Coulson’s home, demonstrating her ability to assert control over her circumstances. Similarly, Miss Coulson’s decision to elope with the iceman reflects her autonomy and willingness to pursue her own desires, regardless of societal judgment or expectations.

Writing Style in “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

1. Humorous tone: The story is filled with playful exaggeration and absurdity. From Mr. Coulson’s dramatic pronouncements to Miss Coulson’s frosty demeanor, the characters and situations are ripe for humor.
2. Sarcastic commentary: The narrator injects wry observations throughout, poking fun at human behavior and societal expectations. Phrases like “insane men’s peace” and “rogue though she be” exemplify this.
3. Witty wordplay: O. Henry uses puns, metaphors, and unexpected turns of phrase to keep the reader engaged. For instance, “City Ice Works, Townsville, 1924” sets a playful tone right from the beginning, and “May…who is no goddess, but Circe” injects a mythological reference with a humorous twist.
4. Vivid descriptions: O. Henry paints a picture with words, from the “odour of the flowers” to the “sweet and mild” spring air. He even uses contrasting descriptions to highlight the humor, like the “deadly work” of the “implacable, false enchantress May” battling the “gout liniment.”

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example from the Story
Marxist Criticism	The story can be interpreted as a critique of societal class structures and norms. O. Henry depicts characters from different social classes, such as Mr. Coulson, a wealthy elderly man, and Mrs. Widdup, his housekeeper. The narrative challenges traditional power dynamics by suggesting that love and affection can transcend social boundaries and expectations.	The potential romance between Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup challenges societal norms regarding relationships between employers and employees, highlighting the fluidity of social class distinctions.
Feminist Criticism	Through the character of Miss Van Meeker Constantia Coulson, the story can be analyzed in terms of gender roles and expectations. Miss Coulson’s independence and indifference to romance challenge traditional notions of femininity and women’s roles as caregivers and romantic partners. Additionally, the elopement of Miss Coulson with the iceman can be seen as a subversion of patriarchal control.	Miss Coulson’s refusal to conform to societal expectations of marriage and romance demonstrates her agency and independence as a woman. Her decision to elope with the iceman defies patriarchal authority and challenges traditional gender roles.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	The story explores the unconscious desires and motivations of the characters, particularly in relation to love and romance. Mr. Coulson’s sudden affection for Mrs. Widdup may stem from repressed feelings of loneliness and longing for companionship. Similarly, Miss Coulson’s indifference to love and romance may be a defense mechanism against vulnerability and emotional attachment.	Mr. Coulson’s affection for Mrs. Widdup and Miss Coulson’s disdain for romance may reflect deeper psychological needs and conflicts within their characters. Their reactions to May’s influence can be interpreted as manifestations of their unconscious desires and fears.
Structuralist Criticism	From a structuralist perspective, the story can be analyzed in terms of binary oppositions and narrative elements. O. Henry juxtaposes themes of love and indifference, warmth and coldness, tradition and subversion. The resolution of May’s mischief and the return of warmth to Mr. Coulson’s home signify a restoration of order and harmony, following a period of disruption and chaos.	The contrast between Mr. Coulson’s initial discomfort and eventual warmth towards Mrs. Widdup symbolizes the resolution of the conflict between love and indifference, highlighting the restoration of harmony and stability in the narrative.
Reader-Response Criticism	Reader-response theory focuses on the role of the reader in interpreting and constructing meaning from a text. Readers may interpret the story differently based on their own experiences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Some readers may empathize with characters like Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup, while others may identify with Miss Coulson’s independence and skepticism towards romance.	Different readers may have varied interpretations of the story’s themes and characters, influenced by their personal perspectives and experiences. The story’s open-ended conclusion allows for multiple interpretations and responses from readers.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Love vs. Practicality	How does the story explore the tension between romantic love and practical considerations in relationships?	In “The Marry Month of May,” O. Henry portrays the conflict between romantic love and practicality through the characters of John and May, ultimately suggesting that true love requires a balance between the two.
Social Class and Marriage	How does the story comment on the social conventions surrounding marriage and social class during the time period?	Through the characters of John and May, O. Henry critiques the social conventions of his time, highlighting how social class and economic status often trump love and personal happiness in marriage.
Deception and Honesty	What role do deception and honesty play in the story, and what do they reveal about the characters and their relationships?	In “The Marry Month of May,” O. Henry uses deception and honesty as a plot device to explore the complexities of relationships, revealing that honesty and openness are essential for true love and mutual respect.
Fate and Coincidence	How does the story use fate and coincidence to explore the idea of meant-to-be relationships?	Through the unlikely reunion of John and May, O. Henry suggests that fate and coincidence can play a significant role in bringing people together, highlighting the idea that some relationships are meant to be.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

1. How does O. Henry use irony to underscore the theme of love’s unpredictability in “The Marry Month of May”? O. Henry employs irony to highlight the unexpected twists and turns of romantic relationships during May. An example of this is Mr. Coulson’s initial discomfort with May’s influence, only to find himself expressing affection for Mrs. Widdup, his housekeeper, later in the story. Despite Miss Coulson’s disdain for romance and societal expectations, her elopement with the iceman, a figure outside her social circle, adds another layer of irony to the narrative. These ironic developments underscore the theme of love’s capriciousness and the inability to predict its course.
2. How does O. Henry use symbolism to represent the clash between tradition and change in “The Marry Month of May”? O. Henry utilizes symbolism to represent the clash between tradition and change through the unseasonable cold brought about by Miss Coulson’s request for large quantities of ice. The cold serves as a metaphor for the disruption of the status quo and the intrusion of unconventional elements into Mr. Coulson’s orderly life. As Mrs. Widdup identifies and addresses the cause of the cold, symbolized by the excess ice, she becomes a catalyst for change and the resolution of May’s mischief. Ultimately, the return of warmth to Mr. Coulson’s home signifies the restoration of equilibrium and the acceptance of new dynamics.
3. How does O. Henry explore the theme of individual agency and autonomy in “The Marry Month of May”? O. Henry delves into the theme of individual agency and autonomy through the actions of Mrs. Widdup and Miss Coulson. Mrs. Widdup demonstrates agency by taking proactive steps to address the unseasonable cold in Mr. Coulson’s home, showcasing her resourcefulness and independence. Similarly, Miss Coulson exercises autonomy by rejecting societal expectations and eloping with the iceman, asserting her right to pursue her own desires despite potential judgment or disapproval. These examples highlight the characters’ ability to shape their own destinies and defy external constraints.
4. How does O. Henry employ satire to critique societal norms and conventions in “The Marry Month of May”? O. Henry uses satire to critique societal norms and conventions surrounding love, marriage, and social class. The story satirizes traditional notions of romantic love and marriage by depicting unconventional relationships, such as the potential romance between Mr. Coulson and Mrs. Widdup. Additionally, Miss Coulson’s indifference to love and romance, as well as her eventual elopement with the iceman, satirizes societal expectations regarding appropriate partners and relationships, highlighting the arbitrary nature of societal conventions and the absurdity of rigid class distinctions.

Literary Works Similar to “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

1. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: Another classic short story by O. Henry, known for its ironic twist and exploration of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of gift-giving. It shares O. Henry’s trademark wit and clever storytelling.
2. “Spring in Fialta” by Vladimir Nabokov: This short story explores themes of love, memory, and the passage of time. Set during springtime in a coastal resort town, it captures the fleeting nature of romance and the complexities of human relationships.
3. “May Day” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Set against the backdrop of May Day festivities in New York City, this short story delves into the lives of various characters from different social classes. It explores themes of youth, disillusionment, and societal unrest.
4. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Although a poem rather than a short story, this modernist work shares thematic similarities with O. Henry’s story. It delves into themes of love, desire, and the passage of time, employing rich imagery and stream-of-consciousness narration.
5. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster: Set in Italy and England during the Edwardian era, this novel explores themes of love, societal conventions, and personal freedom. Like “The Marry Month of May,” it contrasts societal expectations with individual desires and choices.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

Books:

• Henry, Olivier. The complete works of O. Henry. Garden City Publishing Company, 1911.
• Castellano, Joseph Philip. The voice of the people: the short stories of O. Henry. City University of New York, 1992.

Articles:

• Dey, Tushar Kanti. Women in O. Henry’s short stories: a critical studies. Diss. University of North Bengal, 2012.
• Alley, Henry. “The Well-Made World of the O. Henrys, 1961-2000.” The Kenyon Review 25.2 (2003): 36-58.

Weblinks:

4. “The Marry Month of May – O. Henry (1862-1910).” American Literature, www.americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/short-story/. Accessed 25 April 2024.
5. Smith, Emily. “Exploring the Satirical Elements of ‘The Marry Month of May’.” Literary Hub, www.lithub.com. Accessed 25 April 2024.

Representative Quotations from “The Marry Month of May” by O. Henry

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“The odour of the flowers waked no soft sentiments in the unexplored recesses of [Miss Coulson’s] dormant heart. The chirp of the sparrows gave her a pain. She mocked at May.”	Miss Coulson’s lack of sentimentality towards May’s charms highlights her cold and indifferent demeanor, setting the tone for the story’s exploration of love and societal expectations.	This quotation illustrates the story’s theme of emotional detachment and cynicism, suggesting that not everyone succumbs to the romantic allure of spring.
“In May Cupid shoots blindfolded — millionaires marry stenographers; wise professors woo white-aproned gum-chewers behind quick-lunch counters; schoolma’ams make big bad boys remain after school…”	O. Henry humorously depicts the chaotic and unpredictable nature of love during May, emphasizing the absurdity of romantic encounters across different social strata.	This quotation reflects the story’s satirical tone, critiquing societal norms and expectations surrounding romance and marriage.
“But who shall shame the bright face of May? Rogue though she be and disturber of sane men’s peace, no wise virgins cunning nor cold storage shall make her bow her head in the bright galaxy of months.”	Despite its flaws and disruptions, May retains its vibrant and irresistible charm, defying attempts to diminish its significance.	This quotation underscores the story’s theme of the enduring power and allure of the spring season, despite its disruptive effects on individuals’ lives.
“A night passed, and Higgins helped old man Coulson in the morning to his chair by the window. The cold of the room was gone. Heavenly odours and fragrant mildness entered.”	The resolution of the story sees Mr. Coulson experiencing a change in his surroundings, symbolizing the restoration of warmth and vitality after the cold and discomfort caused by excessive ice.	This quotation symbolizes the triumph of warmth and affection over coldness and indifference, marking a shift towards emotional fulfillment and contentment.
“Mrs. Widdup,” he said, “this house would be no home without you. I have half a million dollars. If that and the true affection of a heart no longer in its youthful prime, but still not cold, could –“	Mr. Coulson’s declaration of affection towards Mrs. Widdup signifies a transformation in his attitude towards love and companionship, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection over material wealth.	This quotation highlights the story’s theme of the redemptive power of love, suggesting that true happiness stems from meaningful relationships rather than financial prosperity.