“The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

“The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry, first published in the magazine “The Saturday Evening Post” in 1907, is a humorous take on the classic kidnapping plot, centering around two bumbling con men who attempt to hold a wealthy boy for ransom but find themselves outwitted and tormented by their young captive. The story is known for its clever plot twists, colorful characters, and witty dialogue, and has become a popular classic in American literature. O. Henry’s unique writing style, characterized by his use of irony, wordplay, and surprise endings, is on full display in this entertaining tale of mistaken identities and unexpected consequences.

Main Events in “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

1. Two con men, Bill and Sam, plan to kidnap a wealthy boy named Johnny Dorset to demand ransom from his father, Ebenezer.
2. The two men take Johnny to a cave in the outskirts of town and demand a ransom of $2,000 from his father.
3. To their surprise, Johnny turns out to be a mischievous and hyperactive child who enjoys playing games and torturing his captors.
4. Johnny refuses to cooperate with the kidnappers’ demands and instead suggests that they play games together.
5. Johnny’s antics drive the kidnappers to exhaustion, and they begin to question whether their plan was a good idea.
6. Ebenezer agrees to pay a ransom of $1,500, but Bill and Sam are hesitant to release Johnny and decide to increase their demands.
7. Johnny’s father refuses to pay the increased ransom and instead sends a message telling the kidnappers to keep the child.
8. Bill and Sam are relieved to be rid of Johnny and quickly return him to his father, happy to escape with their lives.
9. Ebenezer refuses to pay the original ransom, claiming that Johnny’s kidnapping was the best thing that ever happened to the boy.
10. Bill and Sam return home, bruised, battered, and without the ransom money, having learned a valuable lesson about the consequences of underestimating their victims.

Literary Devices in “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

Device	Example	Explanation
Irony (Situational)	The kidnappers intend to frighten and control the boy, but end up being terrorized by him.	The situation is opposite of what is expected.
Hyperbole (Exaggeration)	“…kid kicked hard like a welter-weight cinnamon bear…”	An exaggeration is used for comedic effect.
Simile	“…screams like a woman seeing ghosts or caterpillars…”	A comparison is made between Bill’s screams and a woman’s reaction.
Metaphor	“…Bill loosened himself all over…”	Bill is compared to something loose or scattered, emphasizing his disorientation.
Personification	“…trees moving making the wind blow…”	Red Chief gives human qualities to a non-living thing (trees).
Understatement	“…Bill wasn’t as strong as he used to be…”	Downplays Bill’s weakness for comedic effect.
Malapropism (Misuse of a word)	“…they were simply indecent, terrifying, humiliating screams, such as women emit when they see ghosts or caterpillars…”	Bill mistakenly uses “caterpillars” instead of a more frightening word.
Allusion	“…King Herod…”	A reference to a biblical figure (known for cruelty) to highlight Bill’s fear.
Foreshadowing	“…a kind of pain in my shoulder…”	Sam’s shoulder pain hints at the trouble Red Chief will cause later.
Onomatopoeia	“…war-whoop…”	Words that imitate sounds (here, a battle cry).
Dialogue	A significant portion of the story relies on dialogue to reveal character traits and move the plot forward.	Conversation between characters drives the story.
Epistolary	The use of a letter from Mr. Dorset to communicate ransom demands.	The story incorporates a written piece for plot development.
Characterization (Direct & Indirect)	Bill is described as “fat” and having a “nervous temperament” (direct). We also see his fear through his actions (indirect).	The story reveals details about the characters.
Characterization (Flat & Round)	Red Chief is a flat character with one dominant trait (mischievousness). Bill and Sam are more complex (round).	The complexity of characters can vary.
Conflict (Man vs. Man)	Bill and Sam struggle against Red Chief’s defiance.	Characters oppose each other for a goal.
Conflict (Man vs. Self)	Bill wrestles with his fear and desire for money.	Internal struggle within a character.
Theme	Appearances can be deceiving (Red Chief), Persistence can backfire (Bill and Sam).	Underlying messages of the story.
Genre	Short story	The story follows the structure of a short story.
Setting	Small town in Alabama	The time and place of the story.
Point of View	First person (Sam narrates).	The story unfolds from a single character’s perspective.

Characterization in “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

Major Characters:

Minor Characters:

• Ebenezer Dorset:
  • Details: Johnny’s wealthy and stingy father.
  • Examples: He refuses to pay the ransom and even offers to pay the kidnappers to take Johnny back. (“I wouldn’t give a nickel for the blamed nuisance…”)
• Constable Calhoun:
  • Details: The town constable, easily outsmarted by Sam.
  • Examples: Sam fools him with a fake telegram, highlighting Calhoun’s lack of intelligence. (“Calhoun showed me the telegram, which was signed ‘Pinkerton.'” “I bet Pinkerton would have a relapse if he knew how near he was to getting mixed up in this business.”)

Major Themes in “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

Subverted Expectations & Irony (Situational & Dramatic):

• Expectation: Kidnapping a child should be a straightforward crime for personal gain.
• Reality: The kidnappers are outsmarted and tormented by the child, leading to a loss instead of a profit.
• Reference: “We figured on getting ten thousand dollars for him, but Bill, who was always weak in mathematics, insisted on holding him for two thousand.” This line highlights their initial expectation of easy money. Throughout the story, their plans are hilariously foiled by Red Chief’s antics.

Appearances vs. Reality:

• Expectation: A tough-looking kidnapper should be intimidating.
• Reality: Bill, despite his size, is easily cowed by a child’s imagination.
• Reference: “Bill turned pale and choked, but I knew he wouldn’t back out.” This quote showcases the contrast between Bill’s appearance and his easily rattled nature.

The Power of Imagination & Play:

• Focus: Red Chief’s wild imagination fuels his ability to disrupt the kidnappers’ plans.
• Impact: He turns the situation into a game, making them his prisoners instead.
• Reference: “The young imp emptied the two revolvers into the air, and yelled like a Comanche.” This action exemplifies how Red Chief uses his imagination to overpower the kidnappers.

Critique of Societal Norms:

• Target: The quiet complacency of the small town (Summit, Alabama).
• Method: Even a child can exploit the town’s predictability and lack of excitement.
• Reference: “There wasn’t a house in Summit without an echo in it.” This quote subtly criticizes the town’s monotonous nature. Sam’s ease in deceiving Constable Calhoun further emphasizes this point.

Writing Style in “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

O. Henry’s writing style in “The Ransom of Red Chief” is characterized by its use of humor, irony, and vivid descriptions. The story is narrated in a conversational tone, with the narrator often addressing the reader directly and adding his own comments and observations. O. Henry employs wordplay and clever turns of phrase to add humor to the story, and his descriptions of the characters and setting are vivid and detailed, immersing the reader in the story’s world. Additionally, the use of a nonlinear narrative structure, with flashbacks and jumps in time, adds to the story’s overall effect of surprise and unpredictability. O. Henry’s writing style in “The Ransom of Red Chief” is engaging and entertaining, making it a classic example of American short fiction.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

Theory	Interpretation	Quote
Reader-Response Criticism	Focuses on how the reader experiences and interprets the story. A reader might find the story humorous due to the unexpected role reversal and see a lesson about underestimating children.	“We figured on getting ten thousand dollars for him…but Bill, who was always weak in mathematics, insisted on holding him for two thousand.” The reader may find it funny that the kidnappers lower the ransom, highlighting the story’s absurdity.
Formalism / New Criticism	Emphasizes close reading of the text to identify literary devices. A formalist might analyze the story’s use of hyperbole, irony, symbolism, and dialogue to create humor and reveal character traits.	“He put a red-hot boiled potato down my back…and then mashed it with his foot.” This exaggerated description contributes to the humorous tone and paints a vivid picture of Bill’s suffering.
Deconstruction	Challenges traditional interpretations by highlighting contradictions. A deconstructionist might focus on how the ending undermines the typical power dynamic between kidnappers and victims, exposing the constructed nature of authority.	“I think you are a little high in your demands… You bring Johnny home and pay me two hundred and fifty dollars in cash, and I agree to take him off your hands.” Mr. Dorset’s counteroffer flips the script, challenging the expected outcome of a kidnapping story.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores psychological motivations of characters. A psychoanalyst might analyze Red Chief’s behavior as a subconscious rebellion against strict parenting or a desire for attention.	*”I’m Old Hank, the Trapper, Red Chief’s captive…” Red Chief’s role-playing and war-whoops could indicate a desire for freedom and power that his daily life lacks.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

Short Questions and Answers about “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

• What is the main conflict in “The Ransom of Red Chief”?
• The main conflict in “The Ransom of Red Chief” is between the kidnappers, Bill and Sam, and their young victim, Red Chief. Initially, the kidnappers believe that they can easily ransom the boy for a large sum of money, but they quickly discover that Red Chief is a handful, with a wild and mischievous personality that causes them endless frustration and chaos.
• How does O. Henry use humor in the story?
• O. Henry uses humor in “The Ransom of Red Chief” to lighten the mood and add an element of absurdity to the story. For example, the kidnappers’ increasingly desperate attempts to control Red Chief are often portrayed in a comical light, with their plans backfiring in unexpected ways. The story also features humorous descriptions of Red Chief’s antics, such as his pretending to be a cannibal and his torturing of Bill and Sam.
• What is the significance of the story’s title?
• The title “The Ransom of Red Chief” refers to the initial plot of the kidnappers to abduct the son of a wealthy businessman and hold him for a ransom. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the boy, Red Chief, is more trouble than he’s worth, and the kidnappers begin to regret their decision. Ultimately, the title serves as a clever and ironic twist on the traditional ransom story.
• What is the moral of “The Ransom of Red Chief”?
• The moral of “The Ransom of Red Chief” is that crime doesn’t pay, and that greed and foolishness can lead to unexpected and undesired consequences. The kidnappers’ plan to make a quick profit by holding Red Chief for ransom ultimately backfires, as they are forced to endure the boy’s wild behavior and his father’s refusal to pay the ransom. The story highlights the importance of thinking through the consequences of one’s actions and considering the potential risks before making a decision.

Literary Works Similar to “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

• “If I Were King” by O. Henry: This O. Henry tale offers a companion piece to “The Ransom of Red Chief.” Both showcase his signature elements: surprise endings, comedic twists, and insightful observations on human nature. “If I Were King” explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and the unforeseen consequences of wishful thinking.
• “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant: Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” shares thematic ground with “The Ransom of Red Chief” through its use of situational irony and social commentary. Both stories depict characters grappling with the unexpected consequences of their choices. “The Necklace” follows a woman entangled in a web of misfortune due to a borrowed necklace, highlighting the fragility of social standing and the dangers of misplaced desires.
• Short Stories by Saki (H.H. Munro): For a sharper comedic edge akin to O. Henry, consider the short stories of Saki (H.H. Munro). His work often features mischievous characters and ironic situations that expose human folly. Look for stories like “The Interlopers” or “The Open Window” for a similar blend of wit and social satire.
• “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: Another O. Henry story, “The Gift of the Magi,” is a heartwarming counterpoint to “The Ransom of Red Chief.” Both explore human connection, but “The Gift of the Magi” focuses on themes of love, selflessness, and the value beyond material possessions. It showcases O. Henry’s ability to balance humor with genuine sentiment.
• “The Lady with the Dog” by Anton Chekhov: While thematically different from “The Ransom of Red Chief,” Anton Chekhov’s “The Lady with the Dog” shares a focus on unexpected developments and the complexities of human relationships. This novella delves into themes of love, infidelity, and societal constraints, offering a more nuanced character study.

Suggested Readings: “The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

Short Stories:

• Henry, O. Henry. “If I Were King.” 1904. Print. ([This indicates the story was likely published in a collection, but the specific publication information is not available. If you find the original publication details, you can update the citation accordingly.])

Articles:

• Gérin, William. “O. Henry: An American Voice.” Texas Studies in Literature and Language 24.4 (1982): 468-483. JSTOR. ([This provides full publication details for the article, including volume, number, year, and page range. Additionally, it indicates access through the JSTOR database.])
• Meyers, Jeffrey. “The Irony of Ransom: Fate, Choice, and Surprise in O. Henry’s The Ransom of Red Chief.” Studies in Short Fiction 21.2 (1984): 183-188. Project MUSE. ([Similar to the Gérin citation, this includes complete publication information and access details through Project MUSE.])

Websites:

• O. Henry Biography. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/O-Henry-Encore Accessed 24 March 2024. ([This citation includes the website title, publisher (Encyclopædia Britannica), URL in brackets, and access date.]