"The Ransom of Red Chief" employs the theme of poetic justice to highlight the unexpected consequences faced by Sam and Bill as they become the victims of their ill-conceived plan. This concept is evident in the reversal of roles and the irony that runs through the narrative.

Poetic justice for the bumbling kidnappers results from Johnny's relentless mischief, which turns the tables on the kidnappers. Despite their criminal intentions, they find themselves at the mercy of the spirited and unruly Red Chief/Johnny. The irony is heightened when the captors, who aim to gain control and profit from their scheme, end up in situations where Johnny's untamed nature dictates the course of events. This leads Sam and Bill to pay a ransom rather than receive one, not to mention the physical abuse that they endure.

However, the story's poetic justice isn't solely about punishment. It also carries a tinge of empathy. Sam and Bill, while bumbling villains, are not wholly irredeemable. Their desperation and eventual retreat suggest a recognition of their poor choices. This nuance reinforces the idea that poetic justice shouldn't just inflict pain but also offer a chance for reflection and a path toward redemption.

In this sense, poetic justice contributes to the work's overall meaning by highlighting the consequences of one's actions and the idea that schemes built on deception and wrongdoing can lead to unpredicted and fitting outcomes. In "The Ransom of Red Chief," O. Henry uses humor and irony to convey this moral lesson about the folly of pursuing unjust endeavors.