# A Narrow Escape explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

A meek-looking man enters a Houston saloon and recounts a past incident where he shot a hole behind the bar, threatening the bartender. The bartender responds with a threat of his own, but the man backs down, claiming his doctor ordered him not to drink, and leaves, suggesting he will feign a fit for free medicine.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The meek-looking man's appearance belies his past violent behavior, and he ultimately feigns a medical excuse to avoid confrontation.

### Humor and Irony

The absurdity of the man's story and the bartender's dry response create a humorous, ironic exchange.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The meek-looking man who enters the saloon and tells the story of his past shooting.

### The Captain

The bartender who humors the man and then threatens him with a knotted towel.

## Key lines

> I shot that hole in there just nine years ago. I came in feeling pretty thirsty and had no money. The bartender refused me a drink and I commenced firing.

Nine years ago, I was thirsty and broke, and when the bartender wouldn't serve me, I started shooting.

_The man recounts his past violent reaction to being denied a drink._

> If I had any fly paper, I would stick you on it and set you in the back window; but I am out, consequently, I shall have to adopt harsher measures.

If I had fly paper, I'd stick you to it and put you in the window, but since I don't, I'll have to be more forceful.

_The bartender's sarcastic threat to the meek man._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-narrow-escape
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters