# From Each According to His Ability explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Vuyning, a bored clubman, is approached by Emerson, a self-proclaimed crook from the West, who admires Vuyning's impeccable style and seeks his advice on dressing properly. Vuyning agrees to help, and Emerson reveals he stole $16,000 from a bank. Despite this, Vuyning befriends him, takes him to his tailor, and later introduces him at his club as a burglar and pal. Emerson captivates the clubmen with tales of the West. After Emerson leaves, Vuyning, inspired, decides to visit his father's Colorado ranch and tells Miss Allison he will propose again but not today.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Emerson, a criminal, presents himself as a gentleman after Vuyning's fashion advice, blurring the line between crook and clubman.

### Social Class and Wealth

The contrast between Vuyning's inherited wealth and Emerson's stolen money, and how fashion and demeanor signal class status.

### Humor and Irony

Vuyning's ironic self-deprecation and the clubmen's disbelief when he introduces a burglar as a pal.

## Character check-ins

### Vuyning

A bored clubman who befriends a crook, helps him with fashion, and decides to visit his Colorado ranch.

### Emerson

A self-proclaimed crook and safe-blower from the West who seeks Vuyning's fashion advice and later charms the clubmen with Western tales.

### Miss Allison

The woman Vuyning repeatedly proposes to; she refuses him again, and he tells her he will not propose that day.

### Kirk

A club member who complains about fish stories and is skeptical of Vuyning's new friend.

## Key lines

> I've got a roll as big around as a barrel of black-eyed peas and as loose as the wrapper of a two-for-fiver.

I have a large roll of money, carelessly carried.

_Emerson boasts about his stolen cash._

> He is a burglar and safe-blower, and a pal of mine.

He is a burglar and safe-cracker, and a friend of mine.

_Vuyning introduces Emerson to his clubmates._

> I was going to propose again today, but I won't. I've worried you often enough.

I intended to propose again today, but I'll refrain. I've troubled you enough.

_Vuyning tells Miss Allison he will not propose that day._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/from-each-according-to-his-ability
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters