O. Henry's Social Triangle Explained: A Clever Tale of Class, Ambition, and Irony
📝 Summary of The Social Triangle by O. Henry The story follows Ikey Snigglefritz, a poor tailor’s apprentice, who lives a humble and squalid life in the lower East Side of New York. On payday, he spends all his hard-earned wages to buy champagne for Billy McMahan, a charismatic and powerful local political leader whom Ikey idolizes. Despite losing his week's earnings, Ikey is euphoric —because he shook hands with a great man. Later, Billy McMahan dines in a high-class restaurant with his socially ambitious wife. Though wealthy and powerful, Billy feels out of place among the elite. In a bold move, he introduces himself to Cortlandt Van Duyckink, an aristocrat and reformist. Van Duyckink accepts his handshake, elevating Billy’s social standing and making him feel fulfilled. Finally, Van Duyckink visits the slums with a rich woman, Miss Constance Schuyler, to discuss charitable reforms. When he sees Ikey coming out of a run-down building, Van Duyckink shakes Ikey’s hand as a symbol...