ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -O. Henry, pseudonym of William Sydney Porter, original name William Sidney Porter, (born September 11, 1862, Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.-died June 5, 1910, New York, New York), American short-story writer whose tales romanticized the commonplace-in particular the life of ordinary people in New York City.

Detailed explanation-2: -O. Henry was the pen name of William Sydney Porter, an American short story writer who is known for his tales about the life of ordinary people, especially in New York. His stories generally expressed the effect of coincidence on character through humour, grim or irony.

Detailed explanation-3: -William Sydney Porter-better known by his pen name, O. Henry-was born in North Carolina and died in New York. But his sixteen years in Texas, from 1882 to 1898, made a lasting mark on his life and work.

Detailed explanation-4: -O. Henry wrote numerous short stories while in prison. His first story, “Whistling Dick’s Christmas Stocking, ” was published by McClure’s Magazine and became a steppingstone for the author’s success.

Detailed explanation-5: -O. Henry wrote over 300 short stories, including his most famous, “The Gift of the Magi.” He became popular for his short, witty stories written about “regular” folks, often with his signature plot twist at the end.