Abstract: O. Henry, one of the three most famous short-story writers in the world, enjoys equal status with Chekhov and Maupassant. Exquisite plot, wry humor and twisted ending dominate his works. This thesis mainly analyses the artistic ending and the humanity of characters in O. Henry’s short stories.  The author first introduces the life of O. Henry and the social background in O. Henry’s time. It also discusses the humanity of characters in the artistic ending of O. Henry’s short stories, humanity virtues, humanity evils and the blend of virtues and evils as well, which arouses a wide resonance in humanity around people from different walks.

Key words: artistic ending; humanity; resonance; social background

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

1.1 O. Henry

1.2 Social Background in O. Henry’s Time

2. Ending of O. Henry’s Short Stories..3

2.1 Artistic Ending of Characters 

2.1.1 The Gift of Magi

2.1.2 The Cop and the Anthem

2.2 Influence of O. Henry’s Ending

3. Humanity of Characters in the Artistic Ending of O. Henry’s Short Stories5

3.1 Human Virtues in the Ending

3.1.1 Love and Sacrifice 

3.1.2 Friendship, Assistance and Sacrifice

3.2 Human Evils in the Ending

3.3 Loss of Humanity

4. Significance of the Humanity of Characters.8

4.1 Reflection of Social Background

4.2 Resonance Aroused in Humanity

5. Conclusion9

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgments11