# Out of Nazareth explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

J. Pinkney Bloom, a promoter, accompanies Colonel and Mrs. Blaylock on a steamboat journey, having sold them a lot in the speculative boomtown of Skyland. When the boat stops at Cold Branch instead, Bloom learns the Colonel plans to open a bookstore there with his remaining funds. Feeling a pang of conscience, Bloom secretly buys a house and store in Cold Branch and deeds it to the unsuspecting Colonel, inspired by Mrs. Blaylock's poem about good coming out of Nazareth.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Bloom's initial scheme to sell overpriced lots in a non-existent boomtown contrasts with the genuine trust of the Blaylocks, highlighting the gap between appearance and reality.

### Humor and Irony

The irony of Bloom, a swindler, being moved by a poem about goodness to perform a selfless act, and the humorous banter with the captain, underscore the story's wit.

### Ambition and Failure

The Blaylocks' hopeful ambition to start anew in Skyland is undercut by the reality of the scam, yet Bloom's intervention offers a chance for redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator recounts the story of J. Pinkney Bloom and the Blaylocks, providing insight into Bloom's schemes and his eventual change of heart.

### Jeff Peters

J. Pinkney Bloom is a variant of Jeff Peters, a recurring O. Henry character known for his schemes and occasional moral awakenings.

### The Captain

Captain MacFarland pilots the Dixie Belle and is complicit in Bloom's earlier dealings, but is outmaneuvered when Bloom insists on stopping at Cold Branch.

### The Colonel

Colonel Peyton Blaylock is a trusting, optimistic man who has been deceived before but maintains faith in humanity. He plans to open a bookstore in Skyland.

### Annie Williams

Mrs. Blaylock is the Colonel's wife, a poetess whose verses about Nazareth inspire Bloom's final act of generosity.

## Key lines

> The lily springs from the rotting mould; Pearls from the deep sea slime; Good will come out of Nazareth All in God's own time.

Beauty and goodness can emerge from the most unlikely or degraded circumstances, just as a lily grows from decay or pearls form in ocean muck.

_This poem by Mrs. Blaylock serves as the moral core of the story, inspiring Bloom's unexpected act of kindness._

> I have not yet lost faith in humanity. If I have been deceived again, still we may glean health and content, if not worldly profit.

Despite past betrayals, I still believe in people; even if I am tricked again, I can still find happiness and well-being, even if not material gain.

_Colonel Blaylock's unwavering optimism contrasts with Bloom's cynicism and ultimately prompts Bloom's change of heart._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/out-of-nazareth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters