Talk:The Four Million/Tobin's Palm

A classic O. Henry tale of hope

Tobin's Palm is a classic O. Henry tale. It is reminiscent of another story by O. Henry - "The Renaissance at Charleroi". The main character in each follows his heart ( or predilections ) and at last finds peace and love through a tortuous path parting with his earthly wealth along the path. The theme of risking all in search a lost relationship seems to set the author as a pioneer in twentieth century media for America. It states that belief that if one is sincere, and walks in integrity ( no matter how foolish to the outside ), that some great good can come of the journey. The echo of that theme is present today in many movies. The tale affirms the notion that innocent integrity and faith can triumph over skepticism and doubt. There is , of course, the twist at the end which usually endeares the tale to the reader.