Makes the Whole World Kin Flashcards
by O. Henry — tap or click to flip
Flashcard Review
Flashcards: Makes the Whole World Kin
How does the burglar enter the house?
He steps in through an open window that was left unlocked, taking advantage of the opportunity.
Why does the burglar believe the mistress of the house is away?
He deduces it from the boarded front door and untrimmed Boston ivy, concluding she is at the oceanside for the summer.
What does the burglar find on the dresser?
A crumpled roll of bills, a watch, keys, three poker chips, crushed cigars, a pink silk hair bow, and an unopened bottle of bromo-seltzer.
Why can the citizen not raise his left hand when ordered to?
He has rheumatism in his left shoulder that prevents him from lifting it.
What causes the burglar to sympathize with the citizen instead of robbing him?
The burglar also suffers from rheumatism in his left arm, and this shared affliction creates an instant bond between them.
What does the burglar suggest they do together instead of completing the robbery?
He suggests the citizen get dressed so they can go out together for a drink, calling off the job entirely.
What happens when the citizen tries to go back for his money at the end?
The burglar stops him, insisting he leave the money behind because the burglar will pay, completing their transformation from criminal and victim to companions.
How does O. Henry describe the burglar's appearance?
He wears a blue sweater, carries a .38-calibre revolver, and chews peppermint gum. He wears no mask, dark lantern, or gum shoes.
What is the "third type" of burglar that O. Henry introduces?
A respectable, unassuming burglar who is neither the degenerate collarless criminal nor the gentleman Raffles type -- one who is neither above nor below his station.
How is the citizen's physical appearance described?
He has a little, pointed, brown-and-gray beard compared to that of a painless dentist, and he looks solid, esteemed, irritable, and disgusted.
How does the citizen's attitude toward the burglar change during the story?
He shifts from fear and irritation to genuine camaraderie, eagerly exchanging rheumatism remedies and ultimately agreeing to go out drinking with the burglar.
Who is Thomas, mentioned near the end of the story?
Thomas is presumably the citizen's servant or valet who normally helps him dress, but he is already in bed for the night.
What Shakespeare quote does the title allude to?
It alludes to "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin" from Troilus and Cressida, meaning shared human experience dissolves social barriers.
How does the story illustrate that suffering can be a great equalizer?
Rheumatism, a universal affliction that respects no class boundaries, transforms a burglar and his wealthy victim into equals who share remedies and go drinking together.
What does the story suggest about social class distinctions?
It suggests that class distinctions are superficial and easily dissolved when people discover common ground through shared physical suffering.
How does the ending reinforce the theme of reversed roles?
The burglar, who came to steal, ends up paying for drinks, while the citizen, who was the victim, leaves his own money behind at the burglar's insistence.
What is ironic about the burglar telling the citizen to leave his money on the dresser?
The burglar originally came to steal that very money, but now refuses to let the citizen take it, insisting on paying himself -- a complete reversal of the expected outcome.
How does O. Henry use the long humorous digression about burglar types?
The extended classification of burglars into three types serves as satirical social commentary, mocking how police and newspapers stereotype criminals by their clothing.
What narrative technique does O. Henry use in the opening paragraphs before any dialogue?
He uses an omniscient narrator with a witty, digressive voice that provides comic exposition and social commentary, delaying the main action to build anticipation.
How does the dialogue serve as a device for characterization in the story?
The burglar's informal slang and the citizen's more polished speech establish their class difference, while their increasingly animated rheumatism talk shows their growing bond.
What does "opodeldoc" refer to in the story?
Opodeldoc is a historical liniment or salve made from soap dissolved in alcohol with camphor and herbs, used as a topical remedy for aches and pains.
What does "Raffles" mean when used to describe a burglar?
It refers to A.J. Raffles, a fictional gentleman thief from E.W. Hornung's stories, meaning an elegant, upper-class criminal who lives a respectable double life.
What does the word "salient" mean in the phrase "his salient points"?
Salient means most prominent or noticeable. The match briefly illuminated the burglar's most distinguishing features.
Who says "Lay still" and what does it reveal about the burglar?
The burglar says it in a conversational tone rather than hissing it, establishing him as the calm, professional "third type" who treats burglary as routine business.
What does the burglar mean when he says "this job's off" and calls booze "sanitary, ameliorating, lest-we-forget"?
He is abandoning the robbery and humorously declaring alcohol the only true remedy for rheumatism, using mock-formal language to elevate drinking to a medical prescription.
What is the significance of the burglar's final line: "Come on... I ask you. Leave it alone. I've got the price"?
It completes the ironic reversal: the thief who came to steal now insists on paying, showing their shared suffering has transformed the relationship entirely.