O. Henry's Literary Techniques in 'The Ransom of Red Chief' through the Lens of New Criticism

Roseline Jesudas; Radhia  Harizi; Amel Boujlida

doi:10.1997/p08m6p78

Authors

Roseline Jesudas Northern Border University Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1861-4591
Radhia Harizi Northern Border University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1621-3530
Amel Boujlida Northern Border University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9247-0523

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1997/p08m6p78

Keywords:

Literary techniques, literary components, New Criticism, Pedagogical implications

Abstract

This study examines O. Henry's literary techniques in his short story "The Ransom of Red Chief" using New Criticism. Using qualitative research and close reading approaches, it analyses narrative structure, character development, irony, humour, and other literary components. The research provides insights for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of O. Henry's work, enhancing appreciation and understanding of his literary heritage. The study also examines the pedagogical implications, highlighting its potential to improve language teaching by improving students' skills in literature analysis, fostering linguistic abilities, increasing cultural awareness, nurturing creativity and writing skills, and promoting motivation and engagement in language learning.

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Author Biographies

Roseline Jesudas, Northern Border University

Dr. Roseline Jesudas is a Professor in the Department of Languages and Translation at Northern Border University. She has been teaching English and linguistics courses for more than 25 years. Her areas of expertise include Language Teaching Methods, Material production, Curriculum Design, Sociolinguistics, Discourse analysis, and Pragmatics. She has conducted research and published over 60 research articles in well-known journals. She has also received research funds from CIIL, Mysore. She has organized and participated in workshops and national and international conferences related to her field of knowledge. She has delivered guest lectures and presented papers at national and international conferences. She authored a textbook “Technical English” for first-year engineering students and a book on "Communication Skills" for Tamil Nadu Open University. Prof.Roseline Jesudas has also authored the books "Effective English" ,"English Language Teaching Methods” and “Lexical Foundations : The Dynamics of Morpheme, Lexeme and Word Formation”. Prof. Roseline Jesudas is a committed and diligent researcher who consistently strives to expand her expertise and have a substantial influence in the field of applied linguistics.
Radhia Harizi, Northern Border University

Lecturer, Department of Languages and Translation
Amel Boujlida, Northern Border University

Lecturer, Department of Languages and Translation

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Corpus resource(s)

https://www.miamieast.k12.oh.us/cms/lib/OH01001222/Centricity/Domain/106/Red%20Chief%20Story.pdf