# Next to Reading Matter explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Judson Tate recounts how he used his persuasive speech to woo Señorita Anabela Zamora on behalf of his handsome but tongue-tied friend Fergus McMahan, only to fall in love with her himself. After winning her affection through nightly conversations in the dark, he loses her when a cold robs him of his voice, and she elopes with Fergus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Judson impersonates Fergus in the dark, using his voice to create a false identity that wins Anabela's love.

### Love and Romance

The central plot revolves around romantic pursuit, mistaken identity, and the power of words in courtship.

### Humor and Irony

The irony of Judson losing Anabela when he loses his voice, and Fergus winning her despite his lack of eloquence.

## Character check-ins

### Judson Tate

The narrator and protagonist, a skilled talker who impersonates his friend to win a woman's heart.

### Fergus O'Hollihan

Handsome but inarticulate friend who enlists Judson's help to court Señorita Anabela.

### Tonia Perez

Señorita Anabela Zamora, the beautiful woman courted by Judson on Fergus's behalf.

## Key lines

> Handsome is as handsome palavers.

True attractiveness lies in one's ability to speak well, not just in physical appearance.

_Judson's twist on the proverb 'Handsome is as handsome does' emphasizes the value of eloquence._

> I opened my mouth, and instead of the usual vibrating words of love and compliment, there came forth a faint wheeze such as a baby with croup might emit.

When Judson tried to speak, he could only produce a weak, raspy sound like a sick infant.

_Illustrates the sudden loss of his vocal charm due to a cold, leading to his romantic downfall._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/next-to-reading-matter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters