What you Want? (O.Henry)
Why do you think the poor man refuses the rich man’s help? Is his decision based more on pride, fear, or experience? Explain.
He refuses because he feels accepting help will make him lose his dignity. Pride is stronger than his need.
Why do you think the student becomes interested in the strange object at school? Is it curiosity, boredom, or something deeper?
Curiosity pulls him in. People often feel drawn to things they don’t understand.
Why do you think the marshal lies to Miss Fairchild about the prisoner? Is he protecting the prisoner, protecting her, or avoiding embarrassment?
To protect her feelings and avoid embarrassing the prisoner.
Why do you think Mamzelle Aurélie lived alone all her life? Was it a conscious choice or simply how life turned out?
She is independent but may also fear emotional attachment.
Why do you think Mrs. Sommers suddenly decides to spend the money on herself? Is it desire, exhaustion or a return to her old identity?
She remembers her old life and wants one moment of comfort.
Do you believe accepting help always means weakness? How does this story challenge or support that idea?
The story shows that accepting help is not weakness; it’s human. But the poor man fears it will look like weakness in society.
Do you think the school creates fear on its own, or is the fear produced by the characters’ imagination? Explain which you believe is stronger.
Mostly imagination. The setting is normal, but the mind turns small details into fear.
Do you believe the prisoner feels ashamed or grateful during the conversation? What clues show his emotions?
Grateful. He appreciates the marshal’s kindness in hiding the truth.
Does caring for the children reveal something new about her character?What does she learn about herself?
She is caring and capable of love, even if she never expressed it.
Do you think she feels guilty while enjoying the pleasures? What actions or thoughts show her inner conflict?
Yes, but the pleasure temporarily hides the guilt.
What do you think the rich man truly wants: to help, to feel good about himself, or to change someone’s life? Support your view.
He wants to feel he is doing something good. His help is sincere, but it also makes him feel better.
Why might a familiar place like a school become frightening in this story? What details change the feeling of the setting?
When something unexpected happens in a safe place, the safety breaks, and fear grows stronger.
Why does Miss Fairchild accept the lie so easily? Is it trust, innocence, or social expectations ?
Because she wants to. The truth doesn’t fit her image of the man.
Why does she cry after the children leave? Is it loneliness, love or realization of a life she never experienced?
She feels sudden emptiness and realizes a life she never had.
Is her day of pleasures a form of escape or a moment of self-rediscovery? Support your view with reasons.
Both — she escapes responsibility and rediscovers her old identity.
If you were in the poor man’s position, would you accept the help? Why or why not? Consider social, emotional, and practical reasons.
Many would accept because of survival, but some would refuse out of pride, fear of judgment, or past bad experiences.
If you were in the narrator’s place, would you explore a suspicious thing at school or avoid it? Explain your reasoning
Most students would explore due to curiosity, but caution would be the safer choice.
If you were Miss Fairchild, would you prefer the truth or the comforting lie?Explain your answer.
Most prefer truth, but some prefer the lie to protect emotions.
If you were Mamzelle Aurélie, would you regret past choices or accept them?What is the healthiest way to deal with such feelings?
Acceptance is healthier, but regret shows she is human.
Does her brief happiness make her life easier or harder afterward? Explain how short moments of joy can affect long-term emotions.
It hurts emotionally because she returns to a harder life after tasting comfort.
What message do you think O. Henry gives about human independence and dignity through this conflict? How is this relevant in modern society?
He suggests that people want to stay independent even when they suffer. Dignity can be more important than comfort.
What do you think the author wants to say about curiosity and danger? How might this message apply to real life today?
Curiosity is natural but can lead to harm when people ignore warnings.
What do you think O. Henry says about first impressions and appearances? How is this lesson important in modern social life?
First impressions are often wrong and people hide their true situations.
What message does Chopin give about independence and emotional needs?How does this relate to many people today who choose to live alone ?
Independence is strong, but emotional connection is still a deep human need.
What message does Chopin send about women’s desires, responsibilities, and identity? Why is this theme still relevant today?
Women need personal happiness, not just responsibility. Society often denies them this.