The Four Million

"The Four Million" by O. Henry is a compilation of short stories set in early 1900s New York City, showcasing the lives of everyday individuals with their unique challenges, delights, and oddities. Using humor and emotional depth, O. Henry explores social dynamics, highlighting a range of characters from varied walks of life as they strive for contentment. For example, the story “Tobin’s Palm” introduces Tobin and Jawn on Coney Island, where Tobin, sad over his lost love Katie, seeks amusement. A palm reader's predictions spark superstitions in Tobin, leading to comical escapades as the friends encounter strangers and search for a mysterious figure, all painted with O. Henry's signature wit for entertainment and social reflections.