# Makes the Whole World Kin explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

A burglar of the third type enters a home expecting a routine job, but when the homeowner wakes and reveals he cannot raise his left arm due to rheumatism, the burglar discovers they share the same affliction. Their shared misery overrides the criminal intent, leading them to abandon the burglary and go out for a drink together.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Irony

The ironic twist where a burglar and his intended victim bond over their shared rheumatism, abandoning the crime for camaraderie.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The burglar's appearance as a criminal is undercut by his genuine empathy and shared ailment with the homeowner.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The third-type burglar who respects his art and suffers from rheumatism.

### The Captain

The homeowner with a pointed brown-and-gray beard, suffering from rheumatism in his shoulder.

## Key lines

> The burglar stepped inside the window quickly, and then he took his time. A burglar who respects his art always takes his time before taking anything else.

The burglar entered swiftly but then moved deliberately, as a true professional always does.

_Establishes the burglar's professional pride and methodical approach._

> I ask you. Leave it alone. I've got the price. Ever try witch hazel and oil of wintergreen?

He insisted the homeowner leave his money behind, offering to pay for their outing himself, and suggested trying witch hazel and oil of wintergreen for the rheumatism.

_Shows the burglar's shift from thief to companion, prioritizing shared relief over theft._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/makes-the-whole-world-kin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters