Human Interest: A Service of Love by O Henry

 

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

Answers : 

        The most important themes of the story are love and sacrifice. Joe and Delia truly love each other and are happy to live together. Yet when the issue of money arises both of them are ready to lie so that the other person does not suffer. This shows how deep their feelings are. Delia is ready to work in the laundry to iron clothes and Joe similarly is working in the same place as an engineer. However, both of them are quite creative people as already told by the narrator. So each of them comes up with the most creative lie they can think of, Delia makes up General A.B. Pinkney and Joe makes up a buyer from Peoria – a fictional country. This shows that both of them are quite skilled in their art and are not lacking in creativity and imagination; what they are truly lacking is money. To earn it they are also ready to sacrifice their time and patience and eventually, they do make some good money. However, only after the incident do they realize that they are not doing this for the sake of their art alone but more likely they are doing it for their significant other which proves the theme of love and sacrifice.

Q.-2. What is the significance of the title of the story? Discuss. 

Answers :

"When one loves one’s art no service seems too hard”

In O. Henry's "A Service of Love," the title holds significance as it encapsulates the central theme of selfless devotion. The story revolves around the character Delia Young, who sacrifices her own happiness for the well-being of others. The title implies that love, in this context, is not just a fleeting emotion but a dedicated service, emphasizing the selfless acts performed out of genuine affection. Delia's actions exemplify a profound commitment to others, making the title a fitting descriptor of the story's overarching theme.

               The story features two aspiring artists as they struggle with money to pay for their lessons and each in turn decides to help out by selling their art. However, what they do not realize is that they both have gotten jobs to earn money and instead are lying to each other so that it does not put pressure on their talents. This way the story reflects the message that is given by the title “A Service Of Love” and disagrees with the statement “When one loves one’s Art no service seems too hard” which the author himself shows to be only a hoax and that reality is very different indeed. O. Henry also uses an ironic tone to emphasize the creativity of artists as the lies made up by the protagonists are brilliant to such an extent that they both believe it themselves. However, the underlying theme of the story becomes quite clear: love is an important thing and something for which people are ready to sacrifice their desires just to achieve it.

            The conclusion reveals the bittersweet nature of this "service of love." The story suggests that love, while noble and selfless, can sometimes lead to personal sacrifice and unfulfilled dreams. The title gains further significance as it encapsulates the overarching theme of the story, highlighting the complex dynamics and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of love.

Q.-3. What title would you choose if you were asked to do so? 

Answer :

    If I have to give another title to this story, I will give "Lovingly Loyal"conveys a sense of unwavering commitment and affection. In the context of O. Henry's "Service of Love," this title encapsulates the theme of devoted and selfless actions carried out in the name of love, aligning with the essence of the original story.

Q.-4. Translate the song "Monta Re" into English without the help of Google Sources and then cross-check. (Lootera is a Bollywood movie adapted from the short story Last Leaf by O. Henry.) Upload the translation photo to your blog. 

Answers :

Thank you.