# A Universal Favorite explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

This chapter introduces Miss Annie Williams of Philadelphia, the most popular and beloved young lady in the United States, whose portrait is more widely sought than that of any famous beauty or notable figure. Despite her modest and retiring nature, her profile served as the model for the head of Liberty on the silver dollar, and her upcoming marriage is not expected to diminish the public's desire for her image.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The chapter contrasts Annie Williams's modest, retiring nature with her widespread fame and the public's obsession with her image, suggesting a gap between her true character and her iconic representation.

## Character check-ins

### Annie Williams

The most popular young lady in the United States, whose profile was used for the head of Liberty on the silver dollar.

## Key lines

> The most popular and best loved young lady in the United States is Miss Annie Williams of Philadelphia.

Annie Williams of Philadelphia is the most adored young woman in America.

_Establishes her unparalleled popularity._

> Her picture is possessed by more men, and is more eagerly sought after than that of Lillian Russell, Mrs. Langtry, or any other famous beauty.

More men own her portrait than those of famous beauties like Lillian Russell or Mrs. Langtry.

_Highlights the extraordinary demand for her image._

> She is the lady the profile of whose face served as the model for the head of Liberty on our silver dollar.

Her facial profile was the model for Lady Liberty on the silver dollar coin.

_Reveals the source of her iconic status._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/a-universal-favorite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters