# The Assessor of Success explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Morley, a cynical and manipulative man, navigates New York City by exploiting others' trust and naivety. He cons an old man looking for his son, swindles a child sent to buy medicine, and reflects on his ability to deceive men, women, and children. Despite his success, a chance encounter with a girl from his past triggers a moment of profound despair, revealing the emptiness behind his facade.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Morley's entire livelihood depends on his ability to present a false front, conning strangers and exploiting their trust.

### Humor and Irony

Morley's gleeful laughter and self-satisfaction contrast sharply with his eventual moment of despair, highlighting the irony of his 'success.'

### Ambition and Failure

Morley's ambition to live by his wits leads to material gain but ultimately fails to provide genuine fulfillment, as shown by his wish to die.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Morley

The protagonist, a cynical con man who takes pride in his ability to deceive others for financial gain.

### Unknown Narrator

The narrative perspective, observing Morley's actions and inner turmoil.

## Key lines

> ‘Front,’ he chanted under his breath; ‘front’ does it. It is trumps in the game. How they take it in! Men, women and children—forgeries, water-and-salt lies—how they all take it in!

Morley celebrates his ability to deceive everyone, regardless of age or gender, by maintaining a confident and respectable appearance.

_This line encapsulates Morley's philosophy and the central theme of deception._

> God! I wish I could die.

Morley is overwhelmed by a sudden, profound despair upon seeing a girl from his innocent past, revealing the emptiness of his current life.

_This moment of vulnerability contrasts sharply with his earlier arrogance, highlighting the cost of his lifestyle._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-assessor-of-success
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters