# Nemesis and the Candy Man explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

The chapter interweaves two narratives: the strained romantic relationship between Honoria Clinton and young Ives, who seeks forgiveness before she sails, and the candy man's resistance to the flirtations of Mademoiselle Adèle, a rooftop performer. The candy man's blunt indifference ultimately breaks when Mademoiselle receives news of Ives's departure, causing her distress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Romance

Ives's plea for forgiveness and Honoria's coldness; Mademoiselle's flirtation with the candy man.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Mademoiselle uses her beauty and theatrical allure to manipulate, while the candy man sees through her performance.

### Social Class and Wealth

Contrast between Honoria's wealthy Madison Avenue home and the candy man's humble alley dwelling.

## Character check-ins

### Ives

Young Ives pleads for Honoria's forgiveness before her departure, referencing a candy wrapper verse.

### Mr. Peters

The candy man, a street peddler who sells motto kisses and becomes the object of Mademoiselle Adèle's flirtation.

### Tonia Perez

Mademoiselle Adèle, the drawing card of the Aerial Roof Garden, who attempts to charm the candy man.

## Key lines

> As long as skies above are blue / To you, my love, I will be true.

I will remain faithful to you forever.

_Verse from a candy wrapper used by Ives to express his devotion._

> Life teaches us—how to live, Love teaches us—to forgive.

Life instructs us in living, but love teaches forgiveness.

_Another candy wrapper verse that prompts Honoria's emotional reaction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/nemesis-and-the-candy-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters