“The Buyer From Cactus City”: O. Henry’S Short Stories

A strong foundation of honesty and sincerity is crucial for any successful relationship. Without these core principles, a relationship is destined to falter.

Reluctantly, Platt makes his way to New York and arrives at Zizzbaum & Son, a prominent wholesale cloak and suit establishment on lower Broadway. The intelligent Mr. Zizzbaum greets Platt warmly and asks about Mr. Navarro.

Although it is late in the day to discuss business, Abey, Mr. Zizzbaum’s son, offers to take Platt on a tour of New York City. After a quick cigar, Platt and Abey embark on their tour.

During the tour, Platt’s mind is elsewhere. Instead of focusing on the clothing, he is preoccupied with finding the perfect building site in Cactus City to construct a house for his future wife.

Noticing Platt’s hesitation, Mr. Zizzbaum kindly suggests that he can take his time to consider all the outfits he has seen. In fact, Mr. Zizzbaum proposes that Platt should have dinner with Miss Asher to make his time more enjoyable. Platt is overjoyed at the opportunity to have dinner with Miss Asher!

During dinner, Platt presents Miss Asher with a diamond ring and confesses that he knew it was her the moment he saw her. He plans to take her back home with him and promises to build her the best house.

Miss Asher responds coldly, comparing Platt to other buyers who believe they can say anything because they take her out to dinner. However, she soon realizes that Platt is different and possesses qualities that set him apart from other men. Candor and openness are vital in the early stages of a genuine relationship.

This story demonstrates Henry’s belief that relationships lacking good faith and honest communication are destined to fail, while those founded on these virtues flourish.

In the words of Louisa May Alcott from “Little Women”: “Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety; it shows itself in acts rather than in words and has more influence than homilies or protestations.”

Honesty and sincerity hold more sway and conviction than empty flattery and deceit.