# The Call of the Tame explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Greenbrier Nye, a Rough Rider from Arizona, visits New York City and reunites with his old friend Longhorn Merritt, who has become a city dweller. Over drinks and dinner, Greenbrier laments Merritt's transformation from a rugged cowboy to a comfortable urbanite, while Merritt defends his new life. The chapter explores the clash between Western authenticity and Eastern comfort.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nostalgia and the Passage of Time

Greenbrier mourns the loss of Merritt's Western identity and the changes brought by time and urban life.

### Humor and Irony

The chapter uses comedic dialogue and ironic contrasts between Greenbrier's rustic manners and Merritt's refined city habits.

## Character check-ins

### Greenbrier Nye

A Rough Rider from Pin Feather, Arizona, who visits New York and criticizes his friend Merritt for becoming too citified.

### Longhorn Merritt

Greenbrier's old friend who has lived in New York for seven years and now enjoys the comforts of city life.

## Key lines

> You was venison, and now you’re veal.

You were wild and free, but now you are tame and domesticated.

_Greenbrier uses a hunting metaphor to criticize Merritt's transformation from a rugged cowboy to a soft city dweller._

> New York is comfortable—comfortable.

New York offers ease and convenience.

_Merritt repeatedly defends his choice to stay in New York by emphasizing its comfort._

## Links

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