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O. Henry truly mastered the "twist ending" short-story formula, which might explain his prolific output. His approach is simple but effective: set up a straightforward premise, introduce some characters, lead the reader in one direction, and then bam! Pull the rug out from under them. Sure, some readers might find this gimmick repetitive, but hey, if it works, why change it? Besides, executing this kind of twist well every single time is no easy feat.
In Transients in Arcadia, the luxurious Hotel Lotus on Broadway is a hidden gem, boasting top-tier service and accommodations. Enter Madame Héloise D’Arcy Beaumont (because of course she has a name that regal), who arrives dressed to impress, effortlessly turning heads with her beauty and charm. It’s not long before she gains a reputation among the hotel’s distinguished guests as a woman of refined elegance, clearly from the highest circles of society. She soon strikes up a connection with another guest, but just as things start heating up, she drops a confession that changes everything…
O. Henry’s signature wit and tight prose make for a quick but satisfying read. At just five pages, the story never overstays its welcome. He sets the stage, delivers the twist, and bows out before you even have time to process what happened. Classic O. Henry. Then again, the twist here isn't exactly the most profound and is also slightly hinted at in the title.
You can read this story HERE.
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