# Buying a Piano explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

A Houston lawyer decides to buy his wife a piano for Christmas, but his inquiry attracts relentless piano agents who pursue him everywhere—at his office, on the streetcar, and even at home. His frustration escalates into a physical altercation with his minister, who also tries to pitch a piano, and ends with the family doctor, summoned to treat his injuries, recommending his brother's piano brand.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Irony

The lawyer's attempt to buy a piano discreetly leads to absurd, escalating encounters with agents and even his minister, culminating in a comedic brawl.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator recounts the lawyer's ordeal with piano agents.

## Key lines

> The insurance and fruit tree businesses are mild and retiring in comparison with the piano industry.

Piano sales are far more aggressive than insurance or fruit tree sales.

_Highlights the extreme competitiveness of piano agents._

> He fired away and knocked the minister’s tall hat across the street, and kicked him in the shin.

He threw a stone at the minister, knocking off his hat, and kicked him.

_Shows the lawyer's violent frustration with the relentless pitches._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/buying-a-piano
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters