# The Telegram explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

A young lady visits a telegraph office in Houston to send a message about a ring, but struggles with the cost and later returns to request an underscore and violet extract.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Irony

The young lady's concern over the cost and her later request for an underscore and violet extract highlight the humorous triviality of the situation.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator describes the scene at the telegraph office.

## Key lines

> Ring was awfully lovely. Come down as soon as you can. Mamie.

The ring is extremely beautiful. Please come here quickly. Mamie.

_The young lady's telegram message about the ring._

> I wanted to underscore the words 'awfully lovely.'

I wanted to emphasize the words 'awfully lovely' by underlining them.

_The young lady returns to request an underscore on her message._

## Links

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