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Roads of Destiny

by O. Henry (1862–1910)

  • Free to read
  • 6 hours to read
  • 22 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"Roads of Destiny" by O. Henry is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The book explores themes of fate, chance, and the unexpected turns life takes, with a particular emphasis on how momentary decisions can significantly influence one's destiny. The opening story introduces David Mignot, a young poet who leaves his village after a quarrel with his love, Yvonne, aiming to pursue fame and fortune. The opening of "Roads of Destiny" presents David's ill-fated journey as he embarks on a path filled with unforeseen circumstances. Straying from his original route, he encounters a mysterious pair—a gentleman and a lady—whose subsequent misfortunes draw him into an entangled situation. David's quick decision to aid them thrusts him into an unexpected marriage proposal warped by pressure from the powerful Marquis de Beaupertuys. Navigating themes of love, obligation, and the unpredictability of fate, this initial narrative sets the tone for O. Henry's characteristic irony, showcasing how one choice can alter the course of a life forever.

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  • United States · Social life and customs
  • Short stories, American

Read the opening

Chapter I

ROADS OF DESTINY

I go to seek on many roads
What is to be.
True heart and strong, with love to light—
Will they not bear me in the fight
To order, shun or wield or mould
My Destiny?

Unpublished Poems of David Mignot.

The song was over. The words were David's; the air, one of the countryside. The company about the inn table applauded heartily, for the young poet paid for the wine. Only the notary, M. Papineau, shook his head a little at the lines, for he was a man of books, and he had not drunk with the rest.

David went out into the village street, where the night air drove the wine vapour from his head. And then he remembered that he and Yvonne had quarrelled that day, and that he had resolved to leave his home that night to seek fame and honour in the great world outside.

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Contents

  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV
  5. Chapter V: "Next to Reading Matter"
  6. Chapter VI
  7. Chapter VII
  8. Chapter VIII
  9. Chapter IX
  10. Chapter X
  11. Chapter XI
  12. Chapter XII
  13. Chapter XIII
  14. Chapter XIV
  15. Chapter XV
  16. Chapter XVI
  17. Chapter XVII
  18. Chapter XVIII
  19. Chapter XIX
  20. Chapter XX
  21. Chapter XXI
  22. Chapter XXII

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About this edition

This free edition of Roads of Destiny by O. Henry comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #1646, released 1999-02-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Short Stories, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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