A SERVICE OF LOVE BY O.HENRY

 

QUESTION:1:Discuss how O Henry employs the theme of sacrifice and love throughout the story 'A Service of Love'.

The core theme of the story "A Service of Love" is love and sacrifice. Joe Larrabee came from the Midwest to New York, working as a painter, while Delia Caruthers, a pianist from the South, also arrived in New York to pursue music. They met in an art studio, fell in love, and quickly got married.

"When one loves, no service seems too hard." 

Joe attended painting classes under the great Magister, while Delia studied under Rosenstock. Despite their financial crisis, they prioritized their relationship over their individual passions. The lack of money to pay Magister and Rosenstock's fees led to difficult decisions.

Delia chose to quit her piano lectures and took up an ironing job at a laundry to earn money for Joe's art classes. In sacrificing her dream for her husband's, Joe reciprocated by quitting his painting classes to work as an engineer at the same laundry, not allowing Delia to give piano lessons.

In the story's conclusion, when Delia's hand got burned, Joe showed great care and concern. They confronted the reality of their jobs and the sacrifices they made for each other's dreams.Their love went beyond mere affection; they demonstrated a profound commitment to their relationship. Delia's last dialogue, "Just when one loves," clearly supports this theme.

QUESTION:2:What is the significance of the title of the story? Discuss.

The title "A Service of Love" is significant in conveying the theme of selfless dedication and sacrifice for love. In this story by O. Henry, the characters, Joe and Delia, demonstrate their love for each other by making sacrifices for the sake of their respective arts.

Delia chose to quit her piano lectures and took up an ironing job at a laundry to earn money for Joe's art classes. In sacrificing her dream for her husband's, Joe reciprocated by quitting his painting classes to work as an engineer at the same laundry, not allowing Delia to give piano lessons. Both characters engage in this service. About want smile on their partner's face.

The title encapsulates the central idea that true love involves giving of oneself, even when faced with difficulties.

 The story also introduces a humorous twist where the characters create fictional scenarios to cover up their struggles, adding an element of irony to the idea of service and sacrifice for love.

The last dialogue of Delia in the story, "just when one loves" clearly support this title.

QUESTION:3:What title would you choose if you were asked to do so? 

TITLE:

"A JOURNEY OF DEVOTED PARTNERS"