transients in arcadia
Transients in Arcadia
by O. HenryStudy Guide
1) Look up the meanings of the words “transients” and “Arcadia”. Explain what the words mean and how they create an appropriate title for the short story.
2) What was your reaction to the opening paragraphs of the story and emphasis on description of the setting? What do you think O. Henry was trying to accomplish?
3) How does O. Henry establish Madame Beaumont as a member of high societyand therefore an acceptable guest in the Hotel Lotus? To what degree does heuse the same techniques with Harold Farrington? Leaving the question of wealthaside, are the two characters portrayed as suitable guests? Explain.
4) Were you surprised by the confessions from Madame Beaumont and Mr. Farrington? Why or why not?
5) Reread the story and make a list of ten words with which you are unfamiliar, or which you are unused to seeing in print. Provide a definition and at least onesynonym for each word (Please indicate the source for your definition). Rewritethree sentences from the story by substituting the synonym for the original word.How does this affect the tone of the sentences?
6) O.Henry’s writing often includes coincidences and irony. How does he usethese devices in this story? Be sure to use specific references to the text.
7) What level of language does O.Henry use in this short story (Formal, standard,or informal)? Why is it so important to the story’s effectiveness? Identify the pointat which the level of language changes. What effect does this change have onthe reader’s experience of the short story?