Ways of destiny

In O. Henry's short stories the element of theatricality is very important, which is undoubtedly connected with the fatalism of the author himself, his belief in Chance or Fate. Freeing his characters from "global" thoughts and decisions, O. Henry never diverts them from moral guidelines: in his small world there are strong laws of ethics, humanity - even those characters whose actions do not always agree with the law.
Reader involuntarily sympathizes with the heroes - daredevils from adventurous stories about the Wild West, fraudsters, romantics, "little Americans" who are looking for their dream on the streets of the metropolis.