# The Roads We Take explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Shark Dodson and Bob Tidball rob the Sunset Express, killing a guard and a fellow outlaw. After escaping, Bob's horse is injured, and Shark kills Bob to take the entire loot. The scene then shifts to reveal that Shark is actually a Wall Street broker named Dodson who had been dreaming the entire robbery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Consequence

The train robbery and murder of Bob Tidball illustrate the brutal consequences of criminal greed.

### Ambition and Failure

Shark Dodson's ambition for wealth leads to betrayal and murder, yet his dream reveals a parallel ruthless ambition in the financial world.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The dream structure blurs the line between the outlaw life and the respectable broker, showing that the same ruthless nature underlies both.

## Character check-ins

### Shark Dodson

Leader of the train robbery; later revealed to be a Wall Street broker named Dodson.

### Bob Tidball

Partner in the train robbery; killed by Shark Dodson for the loot.

### John Big Dog

Quarter-bred Creek Indian and accomplice; killed by the express messenger.

### Peabody

Confidential clerk to Dodson in the Wall Street office.

### Mr. Williams

Client of Tracy & Williams; comes to settle a deal with Dodson.

## Key lines

> Bolivar cannot carry double.

The horse can't carry two riders.

_Shark Dodson uses this as a justification to kill his partner and take all the money._

> It ain't the roads we take; it's what's inside of us that makes us turn out the way we do.

Our choices don't determine our character; our inherent nature does.

_Bob Tidball's philosophical remark contrasts with the story's demonstration of inherent greed and betrayal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-roads-we-take
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters