Use the excerpt from “Tobin’s Palm” by O. Henry to answer the question:

Question

"So, to Coney me and Tobin went, thinking that a turn at the chutes and the smell of the popcorn might raise the heart in his bosom. But Tobin was a hardheaded man, and the sadness stuck in his skin. He ground his teeth at the crying balloons; he cursed the moving pictures; and, though he would drink whenever asked, he scorned Punch and Judy, and was for licking the tintype men as they came."

Write a short essay that analyzes how the author uses figurative language to reveal elements of the story’s cultural setting.

Answer 1

In the excerpt from “Tobin’s Palm” by O. Henry, the author employs figurative language to illuminate the cultural setting of the story, encapsulating both the vibrancy and the underlying melancholy of early 20th-century American amusement parks. Through his use of vivid imagery and metaphor, O. Henry crafts a dichotomy between the carefree excitement of the fair and the internal struggles of the character Tobin, illustrating the complex emotional landscape of urban life during the period.

The phrase “the sadness stuck in his skin” serves as a central piece of figurative language that conveys Tobin's emotional state. By suggesting that his sadness has a physical presence, O. Henry indicates that Tobin's despair is not just a transient feeling but a deeply ingrained part of his identity. This metaphor suggests that the cultural backdrop of his environment—loud, colorful, and exuberant—is at odds with his internal experiences, highlighting a tension that many individuals may have felt in the rapidly changing society of the time. As cities became hubs of modernity, many people found themselves at a crossroads, where the thrill of new experiences did not necessarily equate to happiness.

Additionally, the imagery of “crying balloons” and “the smell of the popcorn” evokes the sensory overload prevalent in amusement parks. They paint a picture of joy and festivity, yet they underscore Tobin's resistance to engage with this vibrant world. The juxtaposition of the joyful imagery with Tobin's antagonistic reactions—“he ground his teeth at the crying balloons” and “cursed the moving pictures”—illustrates a cultural setting characterized by superficial entertainment that often masks deeper personal and societal issues. This resistance to engagement may reflect a critique of the empty pleasures offered by modernity—suggesting that despite the colorful distractions, individuals like Tobin remain haunted by their realities.

The line “was for licking the tintype men as they came,” employs harsh, aggressive imagery to showcase Tobin's frustration and bitterness. This figurative language not only emphasizes his disdain for the superficiality around him but also mirrors the sentiments of many working-class individuals who found themselves marginalized as society pursued progress. The use of “licking” conjures images of violence or conflict, suggesting a desire to disrupt the facade of happiness that the amusement park represents.

O. Henry’s skillful use of figurative language in this excerpt deftly reveals the contrasting emotions present in the cultural setting of the time. Instead of simply showcasing a lively amusement park, he invites readers to consider the painful complexities that arise amidst commercialized joy. Through Tobin’s character, O. Henry highlights the struggles of individuals who find it difficult to reconcile their internal despair with the external gaiety that surrounds them, a theme that resonates across cultures and epochs. Thus, the excerpt becomes a window into a specific cultural moment, offering both a critique of society’s distractions and an intimate glimpse into the human condition.