# The Cynic explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

A brief dialogue between a Junior and Senior Partner reveals a business transaction where a firm sends an extra $50 to cover a pricing error, prompting the Senior Partner to insist on shipping C.O.D. The chapter then shifts to a series of ironic, personified statements from various objects and entities, each commenting on their own progress or lack thereof.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Irony

The chapter uses ironic personification and absurd statements to comment on success and failure.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator presents the dialogue and the subsequent personified remarks.

## Key lines

> Sharp and Simpson send us a check for $50 in addition to their monthly account, to cover difference in price of a higher grade of goods shipped them last time by mistake.

Sharp and Simpson have sent an extra $50 to correct an overpayment for better-quality goods we mistakenly sent them.

_The partners discuss an honest error correction by a client._

> Ship ’em C.O.D.

Send the next order with payment due upon delivery.

_The Senior Partner decides to require cash on delivery despite the client's honesty._

> I’m getting a move on me,” said the checkerboard.

The checkerboard claims it is making progress.

_A personified object speaks ironically about advancement._

> And I’m getting a head in the world,” said the piece of sensation news.

A sensational news story says it is becoming prominent.

_Another ironic personification about gaining attention._

> I’m dead in it,” said the spoiled bivalve at the clambake.

A spoiled clam at a clambake declares it is ruined.

_A humorous, ironic statement about failure._

> I think I shall get along well,” said the artesian water company.

The artesian water company expresses optimism about its future.

_An ironic personification of a business entity._

> And my work is all being cut out for me,” said the grape seed.

The grape seed says its tasks are already determined.

_A final ironic remark about predetermined fate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-cynic
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters