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The Ransom of Red Chief

by O. Henry

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The Ransom of Red Chief

"The Ransom of Red Chief" is a humorous short story by O. Henry that alludes to the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. It satirizes the kidnapping trope by having the kidnapped boy, Red Chief, turn...

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The Ransom of Red Chief

Bill's favorite character in "The Ransom of Red Chief" is King Herod, which adds humor due to the absurdity and irony of a young boy play-acting as a ruthless historical figure. This incongruity...

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The Ransom of Red Chief

The Biblical allusions in "The Ransom of Red Chief" enhance the story's irony by inverting expectations. Red Chief's comparison to David against Goliath is ironic as readers sympathize with the...

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