O. Henry Award

Definition

The O. Henry Award is an annual prize given for outstanding short stories published in the United States, named after the famous American writer O. Henry, known for his twist endings and wit. This award recognizes the best short fiction and highlights the importance of storytelling in American literature, influencing writers by establishing a benchmark for quality and creativity in the genre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The O. Henry Award was established in 1919 and has been awarded annually since then, making it one of the most prestigious awards in American literature.
2. Winning authors are selected by a panel of judges who evaluate the stories based on originality, creativity, and how well they resonate with readers.
3. The award ceremony features a collection of winning stories published in an anthology each year, showcasing emerging and established authors.
4. Notable past winners include famous writers such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Alice Munro, and Raymond Carver, highlighting the award's significance in the literary community.
5. The O. Henry Award not only honors individual works but also elevates the short story genre, encouraging writers to explore new narratives and styles.

Review Questions

• How does the O. Henry Award influence contemporary short story writers and the genre as a whole?
  • The O. Henry Award serves as a significant motivator for contemporary short story writers by providing recognition for exceptional work within the genre. Winning or being nominated for the award can elevate an author's career and increase their visibility in a crowded literary market. The award encourages writers to push their creative boundaries and experiment with innovative storytelling techniques, knowing that their contributions can be recognized at a national level.
• Discuss the criteria used by judges when selecting winning stories for the O. Henry Award and how these criteria reflect broader trends in literary fiction.
  • Judges for the O. Henry Award assess stories based on originality, creativity, emotional impact, and overall quality of writing. These criteria reflect broader trends in literary fiction that prioritize deep character development and thematic exploration over conventional narrative structures. As such, winning stories often challenge readers' expectations and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, highlighting evolving styles and voices within the literary landscape.
• Evaluate the significance of past winners of the O. Henry Award in shaping modern perceptions of short fiction and its role in American literature.
  • Past winners of the O. Henry Award have played a crucial role in shaping modern perceptions of short fiction as a vital component of American literature. Authors like Alice Munro and Raymond Carver have set high standards for narrative craft, demonstrating that short stories can be as impactful and nuanced as longer forms of writing. Their recognition through this prestigious award has helped to legitimize the short story genre, encouraging both readers and writers to appreciate its unique power to convey complex themes and emotions within concise narratives.

Related terms

Short Story: A brief fictional narrative, typically focused on a single incident or character, designed to evoke a specific mood or theme.

Literary Fiction: A genre of writing that emphasizes character development, thematic depth, and stylistic quality, often seen as the opposite of commercial fiction.

Twist Ending: An unexpected conclusion to a story that surprises the reader and often alters their understanding of the narrative.