About the Lesson
O. Henry’s short story "Best Seller" is a humorous and ironic take on the contrast between real-life romance and the unrealistic love stories found in popular fiction. The story is narrated by a man who meets his old acquaintance, John A. Pescud, a traveling salesman, on a train. Through their conversation, the story cleverly explores themes of love, social class, irony, and human contradictions.
Pescud criticizes best-selling romance novels for being unrealistic, arguing that in real life, people marry within their own social class. However, he then narrates his own love story, which ironically follows the same dramatic and unlikely pattern that he ridicules. The story is a brilliant example of O. Henry’s wit, satire, and use of irony, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Text /Summary/Critical Analysis
Critical Summary of "Best Seller" by O. Henry
O. Henry's "Best Seller" is a satirical short story that humorously critiques the unrealistic and romanticized narratives often found in popular fiction. Through the protagonist, John A. Pescud, the story explores the contrast between romantic idealism in literature and the practical realities of life.
Plot Summary
The narrator, a casual observer, encounters John A. Pescud, a traveling salesman for a plate-glass company, on a train. Pescud is an old acquaintance, and they engage in conversation. The narrator notices that Pescud had discarded a best-selling novel, "The Rose Lady and Trevelyan," which he had been reading. Pescud expresses his disdain for such books, arguing that they depict unrealistic love stories where ordinary American men win the hearts of European princesses in overly dramatic ways. According to him, people in real life tend to marry within their own social class.
Ironically, Pescud then recounts his own love story, which mirrors the very type of romance he ridicules. He describes how he fell in love at first sight with Jessie Allyn, a young woman traveling on a train. Pescud obsessively follows her across multiple states, eventually discovering that she belongs to an aristocratic Virginia family. He boldly approaches her father, Colonel Allyn, and convinces him of his sincerity and worth. Over time, Pescud wins Jessie’s heart, and they get married. Despite his criticisms of unrealistic love stories, Pescud's own tale is a highly improbable and romanticized adventure.
As the story concludes, Pescud gets off the train at Coketown, a dreary industrial town, simply to retrieve some petunias for Jessie, emphasizing his deep devotion. The narrator, amused by the irony, looks at the discarded best-seller and realizes that life, just like fiction, often transcends logic and social boundaries.
Themes
Irony and Satire
Pescud criticizes unrealistic love stories, yet his own romance is equally far-fetched.
The story mocks the notion that people always marry within their social class.
The narrator subtly highlights this irony, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions.
Reality vs. Romanticism
Pescud's remarks suggest that fiction should be more realistic, yet his life contradicts this belief.
His own experience is as dramatic and unconventional as the novels he mocks.
Class and Social Boundaries
Pescud initially believes people marry within their own class, but he himself marries into a high-status family.
Colonel Allyn, despite being aristocratic, ultimately accepts a middle-class businessman into his family, questioning rigid class distinctions.
Persistence and Determination
Pescud’s relentless pursuit of Jessie, despite social and geographical barriers, reflects determination in love and life.
His career success and confidence in approaching Colonel Allyn show his ambitious nature.
Characterization
John A. Pescud – A self-made man who believes in practicality but ironically lives out a highly romanticized love story. His confidence, humor, and persistence make him a compelling character.
Narrator – A detached observer who subtly highlights the contradictions in Pescud’s beliefs and experiences. His neutral stance allows readers to appreciate the irony.
Jessie Allyn – A refined, aristocratic woman who displays intelligence and wit. Though initially distant, she is intrigued by Pescud’s persistence.
Colonel Allyn – A proud yet warm-hearted aristocrat who values sincerity over status. He provides comic relief through his storytelling and old-fashioned demeanor.
Writing Style and Literary Devices
Humor and Wit – O. Henry’s signature humor is evident in Pescud’s exaggerated criticism of best-sellers and the dramatic way he recounts his own love story.
Irony – The central irony is that Pescud criticizes unrealistic romances while living one himself.
Dialogue and Storytelling – The story is engagingly told through Pescud’s lively and informal narration, making it feel conversational and realistic.
Symbolism – The best-seller book represents the very romantic ideals that Pescud unknowingly embraces.
Conclusion
"Best Seller" is a masterfully crafted short story that exposes human contradictions through humor and irony. It cleverly illustrates how life often imitates art, even when people claim to reject its influence. O. Henry, known for his surprise endings and satirical storytelling, delivers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking commentary on love, class, and human nature.
Summary
In Best Seller, O. Henry weaves an ironic tale around John A. Pescud, a Pittsburgh salesman, who despises improbable romance novels yet unwittingly lives out his own grandiose romance. Pescud’s journey is filled with humorous contradictions between his disdain for "unrealistic" love stories and the unlikely series of events leading him to pursue and win the heart of Jessie Allyn, a young woman from an aristocratic Virginian family.
The story explores themes of self-perception, idealism versus reality, and the often ironic ways life unfolds. Pescud mocks best-selling novels for featuring mismatched couples, yet his pursuit of Jessie mirrors those very tales. By highlighting Pescud’s humorous blind spots, O. Henry critiques both rigid realism and romantic fantasy, suggesting that human experiences often lie somewhere between the two.
Key elements include Pescud’s cynicism towards romantic novels, his dogged pursuit of Jessie, and his success in integrating into her family, contrasting his professed disdain with his actions. O. Henry’s characteristic humor shines as he portrays Pescud’s single-minded determination and unlikely romantic journey, showing that sometimes reality and romance intertwine more closely than expected.
About the Author
O. Henry was the pen name of William Sydney Porter (1862–1910), a renowned American short story writer celebrated for his ironic plot twists and surprise endings. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, he was deeply fascinated by the vibrant street life of New York City, which served as the backdrop for many of his stories.
During the last decade of his life, O. Henry became one of America’s most popular writers, publishing over 500 short stories in widely read magazines and periodicals. His unique storytelling style not only influenced short fiction but also inspired American cinema and television. Remarkably prolific, he wrote at an astonishing pace of more than one story per week, producing ten collections of short stories in just a few years.
In recognition of his literary contributions, the O. Henry Memorial Awards were established in 1919 by the Society of Arts and Science to honor the best American short stories published each year. His legacy continues to shape the world of short fiction.
Delve into Details
3.A. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.
(a) “Bully,” said Pescud brightening at once. He means to say that he was
A. being intimidated by his boss.
B. harassing his subordinates.
C. doing very well at his job.
D. meeting all the sales targets.
(b) The narrator says that life has no geographical boundaries implying that
A. human beings are essentially the same everywhere.
B. one can travel freely to other countries.
C. boundaries exist only on maps.
D. one should work towards the good of mankind.
(c) Classify (1) to (4) as fact (F) or opinion (O), based on your reading of the story.
(1) Pescud had hurled the bestseller to the floor.
(2) People in real life marry somebody in their own station.
(3) Pescud got an opportunity to meet Jessie all alone two evenings after he met
her father.
(4) Pescud believed that plate-glass was the most important commodity.
A. F-1, 3, 4; O-2
B. F-1, 3; O-2, 4
C. F-1, 2, 4; O-3
D. F-2; O-1, 3, 4
(d) Select the suitable option for the given statements, based on your understanding
of the story.
(1) The author’s description of Coketown brings out the ugly face of industries that
operated there.
(2) Pescud got off at Coketown as it had good business prospects for a plate-glass
salesman.
A. (1) is false but (2) is true.
B. (1) is true but (2) is false.
C. (1) is the cause for (2)
D. (2) is a fact but unrelated to (1)
3.B. Read the extracts and answer the questions by selecting the correct options.
1. I contrived to keep out of her sight as much as I could, but I never lost track of her.
The last station she got off at was away down in Virginia, about six in the evening.
There were about fifty houses.
The rest was mud, mules, and speckled hounds.
A tall old man, with a smooth face and white hair, looking as proud as Julius Caesar
was there to meet her. His clothes were frazzled but I didn’t notice that till later. He
took her little satchel, and they started over the plank walks and went up a road along
the hill. I kept along a piece behind ‘em, trying to look like I was hunting a garnet ring
in the sand that my sister had lost at a picnic the previous Saturday.
(i) The extract tells us that Virginia was a _________ populated town.
A. densely
B. highly
C. sparsely
D. hardly
(ii) Choose the option that uses the word ‘frazzled’ in the same way as the extract.
A. I feel pretty frazzled most weeks these days.
B. The cuffs of his brown shirt looked frazzled.
C. Father finally arrived home, tired and frazzled.
D. Mother was frazzled looking after all the guests had left
iii) Read the statements (1) & (2) given below, and choose the option that correctly
evaluates the statements.
(1): The speaker pretended that he was searching for a lost ring.
(2): The speaker wanted to hide the fact that he had been following her.
A. [1] is true but [2] is false.
B. [2] is contradictory to [1].
C. [1] is the reason for [2].
D. [2] is the result of [1].
iv) Select the option that displays the characteristics of the speaker.
1. discreet 2. vain
3. ambitious 4. observant
5. finicky 6. cautious
A. 1, 4 and 6
B. 2, 3 and 5
C. 1, 3 and 6
D. 2, 4 and 5
2. For about nine seconds he had me rattled, and I came mighty near getting cold feet
and trying to sell him some plate-glass. But I got my nerve back pretty quick. He
asked me to sit down, and I told him everything. I told him how I followed his daughter
from Cincinnati, and what I did it for, and all about my salary and prospects, and
explained to him my little code of living -to be always decent and right in your home
town. At first, I thought he was going to throw me out of the window, but I kept on
talking.
Well, that got him to laughing and I’ll bet that was the first laugh those ancestors and
horsehair sofa had heard in many a day.
i) Select the option that matches the expression with the meaning correctly
Column A | Column B |
I. getting cold feet | a. to be exhausted |
II. dead on my feet | b. to become used to a new situation |
III. get your feet wet | c. carried away by someone on an emotional level |
| d. feeling nervous about something |
A. I-c, II-b, III-a
B. I-d, II-a, III-b
C. I-a, II-c, III-d
D. I-b, II-d, III-c
ii) Select the option that lists the statements which can be a part of one’s ‘code of living’.
1. Keep your word.
2. Never quit on yourself or your family.
3. Think about the future and ignore the present.
4. Focus on materialistic possessions.
5. Stay true to yourself.
6. Look back and wonder about your decisions.
A. 1, 3 and 6
B. 2, 4 and 5
C. 2, 5 and 6
D. 1, 2 and 5
iii) “I’ll bet that was the first laugh those ancestors and horsehair sofa had heard in many
a day.” The tone of the speaker is
A. satirical.
B. ironical.
C. humorous.
D. sarcastic.
iv) Which option best describes the sequence of the speaker’s emotions in the given
extract.
A. nostalgia-friendliness-jitters-disappointment
B. curiosity-nostalgia-fear-mild sadness
C. jitters-confidence-apprehension-delight
D. shyness—friendliness-excitement-nostalgia
4. Answer the following questions briefly.
a) One day last summer the author was travelling to Pittsburg by chair car. What does
he say about his co-passengers?
b) What was John A. Pescud’s opinion about best sellers? Why?
c) What does John say about himself since his last meeting with the narrator?
d) How did John’s first meeting with Jessie’s father go? What did John tell him?
e) Why did John get off at Coketown?
f) John is a hypocrite. Do you agree with this statement? Elucidate.
g) Do you think Colonel Allyn enjoyed Pescud’s company? Why/ Why not?
h) Describe John A. Pescud with reference to the following points:
o His physical appearance .................................................................................
o His philosophy on behaviour ............................................................................
o His profession ..................................................................................................
o His first impression of his wife .........................................................................
o His success .......................................................................................................
5. ‘Irony’ refers to the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite to
their literal meaning. Working in pairs, bring out the irony in the following :
a) The title of the story, “The Bestseller”.
b) Pescud’s claim, “When people in real life marry, they generally hunt up somebody
in their own station. A fellow usually picks out a girl who went to the same highschool and belonged to the same singing-society that he did.”
c) The name Trevelyan.
6. Answer in detail.
(a) Pescud had the qualities of a good salesman. Justify this statement by citing
examples from the text.
(b) Imagine you are Andrew Smith, the author of the bestseller, ‘The Rose Lady
and Trevelyan’. You happen to meet Pescud during one of your train journeys
and realise he is one of your biggest critics. Write down the possible conversation.
You may begin like this :
Pescud: Hello sir! It’s a pleasure to have this chance meeting with you. I have
read your book, ‘The Rose Lady and Trevelyan’ but I must say that I beg to
differ with your idea of romance. I feel it is far from reality.
Andrew: Hello Mr Pescud! I am glad that you are candid in your opinion about
my book. So, tell me what’s your notion of an ideal romance?
7. Working in groups of four, write an article on the following :
The elderly seek attention and company from younger members of their family. They are eager to listen and long to share their life experiences. John A Pescud is not only respectful but also very patient with Colonel Allyn, Jessie’s father.
As a reporter, write an article for a newspaper, on the importance of the elderly in our lives.
ANSWERS
3.A. Multiple Choice Questions
(a) "Bully," said Pescud brightening at once. He means to say that he was:
C. doing very well at his job.
(b) The narrator says that life has no geographical boundaries implying that:
A. human beings are essentially the same everywhere.
(c) Classify the statements as Fact (F) or Opinion (O):
Answer: B. F-1, 3; O-2, 4
(d) Select the suitable option for the given statements:
Answer: B. (1) is true but (2) is false.
3.B. Extract-Based Questions
(i) The extract tells us that Virginia was a _________ populated town.
C. sparsely
(ii) Choose the option that uses ‘frazzled’ in the same way as the extract.
B. The cuffs of his brown shirt looked frazzled.
(iii) Read the statements and choose the correct option:
C. (1) is the reason for (2).
(iv) Select the option that displays the characteristics of the speaker.
A. 1, 4, and 6 (Discreet, Observant, Cautious).
Second Extract-Based Questions
(i) Match the expression with the meaning:
B. I-d, II-a, III-b
(ii) Select the option that lists the statements that can be part of one’s ‘code of living.
’D. 1, 2, and 5 (Keep your word, Never quit, Stay true to yourself).
(iii) “I’ll bet that was the first laugh those ancestors and horsehair sofa had heard in many a day.” The tone of the speaker is:
C. Humorous.
(iv) Which option best describes the sequence of the speaker’s emotions?
C. Jitters → Confidence → Apprehension → Delight.
4. Short Answer Questions
(a) One day last summer, the author was traveling to Pittsburgh by chair car. What does he say about his co-passengers?
The author describes his co-passengers as typical chair-car travelers—women in brown silk dresses with lace collars and dotted veils who refused to open the windows, and men who seemed to be involved in various businesses, traveling to unknown destinations.
(b) What was John A. Pescud’s opinion about best sellers? Why?
Pescud believed that best-sellers were unrealistic and full of exaggerated romance. He criticized how they often portrayed ordinary American men falling in love with European princesses, which, according to him, never happened in real life.
(c) What does John say about himself since his last meeting with the narrator?
Pescud shares that his business has flourished, his salary has increased twice, and he has also bought a piece of real estate. He mentions that he is financially stable and doing well.
(d) How did John’s first meeting with Jessie’s father go? What did John tell him?
Initially, Colonel Allyn was skeptical about Pescud. However, after listening to his honest confession about following Jessie, his career prospects, and values, the Colonel found him amusing and warmed up to him.
(e) Why did John get off at Coketown?
John got off at Coketown because Jessie had once mentioned seeing a certain kind of petunia in one of the town’s windows, and he wanted to find and bring them back for her.
(f) John is a hypocrite. Do you agree with this statement?
Elucidate.Yes, John is a hypocrite because he criticizes romantic best-sellers for portraying unrealistic love stories, but his own love story is equally dramatic and improbable—he falls in love at first sight, follows a girl across states, and wins over her aristocratic father.
(g) Do you think Colonel Allyn enjoyed Pescud’s company? Why/Why not?
Yes, Colonel Allyn enjoyed Pescud’s company. Initially suspicious, he later found Pescud’s boldness amusing. Pescud’s humorous storytelling entertained the Colonel, and he appreciated his sincerity.
(h) Describe John A. Pescud with reference to the following points:
His physical appearance – A small, stocky man with a wide smile and sharp, observant eyes.
His philosophy on behavior – He believed in being decent and law-abiding in one’s hometown and marrying within one’s social class.
His profession – A traveling salesman for a plate-glass company.
His first impression of his wife – He fell in love at first sight and found her graceful, elegant, and charming.
His success – He became financially stable, bought property, and was offered company shares.
5. Irony in the Story
(a) The title "Best Seller"
Ironically, John Pescud criticizes best-sellers, but his own life resembles a romantic novel, where an ordinary salesman wins over a Southern aristocratic woman.
(b) Pescud’s claim about people marrying within their station
He says people marry within their social class, but he himself falls for and marries a wealthy aristocratic woman.
(c) The name "Trevelyan"
Trevelyan, the hero of the novel Pescud mocks, represents the very type of unrealistic romantic lead that Pescud unknowingly becomes in his own love story.
6. Answer in Detail
(a) Pescud had the qualities of a good salesman. Justify.
Persistence – He followed Jessie across states, showing the same determination he applied to his sales.
Confidence – He approached Colonel Allyn boldly and convinced him.
Persuasion – He used his storytelling skills to win over the Colonel, just as he convinced customers to buy plate-glass.
(b) Imaginary Conversation Between Pescud and the Author of "The Rose Lady and Trevelyan"
Pescud: Hello sir! It’s a pleasure to meet you. I have read your book, The Rose Lady and Trevelyan, but I must say I completely disagree with your idea of romance. It is unrealistic!
Andrew Smith: Hello Mr. Pescud! I appreciate your honesty. So, tell me, what’s your idea of a real love story?
Pescud: In real life, people don’t fall in love with princesses. They usually marry someone from their own town, whom they’ve known for years.
Andrew Smith: That’s interesting! But I believe love doesn’t follow rules. People fall in love in unexpected ways. By the way, how did you meet your wife?
Pescud (pausing): Well… that’s a long story…
7. Group Writing Task – Newspaper Article
The Importance of the Elderly in Our Lives
In today’s fast-paced world, the elderly often feel neglected by younger generations. However, they have a wealth of experience, wisdom, and stories to share. Families that actively engage with their elders benefit from their knowledge and guidance.
In Best Seller, John A. Pescud sets a great example by being respectful and patient with Colonel Allyn, his father-in-law. Instead of dismissing him as outdated, Pescud listens to his stories and enjoys his company. This mutual respect strengthens their bond.
Elderly people long for companionship and a sense of belonging. We must make time for them, value their contributions, and appreciate their presence in our lives.
What is the significance of the title "best seller"?
The title "Best Seller" is somewhat ironic in this context. Typically, a "bestseller" refers to a book that is highly popular and sells in large quantities. However, in this story, the term is used to mock and criticize a specific genre of novels that Pescud dislikes. The narrative unfolds as Pescud expresses his disdain for formulaic and unrealistic romance novels that he believes are all the same, featuring American heroes pursuing European princesses.
The significance of the title lies in the contrast between the conventional idea of a bestseller and the unconventional perspective presented by Pescud. Instead of celebrating popular and commercially successful literature, the story challenges the clichéd and predictable nature of certain bestselling novels, emphasizing the author's critique of the formulaic plots and characters found in these widely consumed works. The story, in a way, becomes its own commentary on what constitutes a "bestseller" and challenges the expectations associated with the term.
Here are the questions based on the story "Best Seller" by O. Henry:
What was the main character's purpose in traveling to Pittsburgh?
Who is the main character seated behind in chair No. 9?
What book did the man in chair No. 9 throw on the floor?
What is John A. Pescud’s profession?
What opinion does Pescud express about best-selling novels?
What type of woman does Pescud observe on the train to Cincinnati?
How does Pescud react when he first sees the young lady on the train?
Where does Pescud first follow the young lady after she leaves the train?
Who does Pescud learn is the young lady’s father?
What reason does Pescud give the hotel landlord for being in town?
How does the young lady react when Pescud asks about Mr. Hinkle?
What is the young lady’s name?
How does the Colonel initially respond when Pescud explains why he’s there?
What family history does the Colonel share with Pescud?
How long did Pescud speak with the Colonel during his first visit?
What does the Colonel enjoy discussing with Pescud?
What nickname does Pescud give to the Colonel?
How long has Pescud been married to Jessie by the end of the story?
Why does Pescud stop in Coketown after his trip with Jessie?
How does the narrator respond to seeing the best-seller on the floor at the end of the story?
Here are the answers to the questions based on O. Henry's story "Best Seller":
What was the main character's purpose in traveling to Pittsburgh?
To make a business deal.
Who is the main character seated behind in chair No. 9?
A fellow passenger who discards his book on the floor.
What book did the man in chair No. 9 throw on the floor?
A popular best-selling novel.
What is John A. Pescud’s profession?
He is a traveling salesman.
What opinion does Pescud express about best-selling novels?
He thinks they are unrealistic and too romantic.
What type of woman does Pescud observe on the train to Cincinnati?
A dignified, aristocratic-looking woman.
How does Pescud react when he first sees the young lady on the train?
He is immediately attracted to her and decides to pursue her.
Where does Pescud first follow the young lady after she leaves the train?
He follows her to her hometown.
Who does Pescud learn is the young lady’s father?
Colonel Allyn, a wealthy Southern gentleman.
What reason does Pescud give the hotel landlord for being in town?
He says he is in town for a business trip.
How does the young lady react when Pescud asks about Mr. Hinkle?
She is puzzled, as there is no Mr. Hinkle.
What is the young lady’s name?
Jessie.
How does the Colonel initially respond when Pescud explains why he’s there?
He is suspicious and somewhat hostile.
What family history does the Colonel share with Pescud?
He discusses his family’s Southern heritage and aristocratic lineage.
How long did Pescud speak with the Colonel during his first visit?
For several hours.
What does the Colonel enjoy discussing with Pescud?
His family history and Southern traditions.
What nickname does Pescud give to the Colonel?
This is not explicitly given in the story; Pescud addresses him respectfully.
How long has Pescud been married to Jessie by the end of the story?
He has been married to her for two years.
Why does Pescud stop in Coketown after his trip with Jessie?
To see an old friend.
How does the narrator respond to seeing the best-seller on the floor at the end of the story?
He is amused and reflects on the irony of Pescud’s own story being like a best-selling novel.
Assertion (A): Pescud follows Jessie to her hometown without introducing himself.
Reason (R): Pescud was planning to offer a business deal to Jessie’s father.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): Pescud admires the Southern heritage of Jessie’s family.
Reason (R): Pescud is a man who values traditional social structures and family lineage.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): Pescud’s marriage proposal is initially rejected by the Colonel.
Reason (R): The Colonel dislikes that Pescud is a traveling salesman.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): Pescud believes his own life story is more realistic than a best-selling novel.
Reason (R): Pescud follows a woman across the country and marries her after convincing her father.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): Pescud was genuinely interested in Jessie as soon as he saw her.
Reason (R): He was charmed by her sophisticated and aristocratic demeanor.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): Pescud lies to the hotel landlord about his reason for being in town.
Reason (R): He doesn't want people to know he's following a woman he just met.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): The Colonel immediately approves of Pescud after learning his intentions.
Reason (R): The Colonel respects Pescud’s honest and persistent nature.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): Pescud’s opinion of best-sellers contrasts with his own actions.
Reason (R): His life mirrors a romance novel despite his criticisms.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
Assertion (A): Pescud enjoys telling the narrator his story because he finds it ironic.
Reason (R): Pescud realizes his life turned out to resemble a best-seller.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
(e) Both A and R are false.
ANSWERS
Here are the answers to the Assertion and Reasoning questions based on "Best Seller" by O. Henry:
1.
Assertion (A): Pescud thinks that best-selling novels are unrealistic.
Reason (R): Pescud believes people in real life do not fall in love as quickly or travel across the country for someone they’ve just met.
✅ (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Assertion (A): Pescud follows Jessie to her hometown without introducing himself.
Reason (R): Pescud was planning to offer a business deal to Jessie’s father.
✅ (c) A is true, but R is false.
(He followed her out of romantic interest, not for business.)
3.
Assertion (A): Pescud admires the Southern heritage of Jessie’s family.
Reason (R): Pescud is a man who values traditional social structures and family lineage.
✅ (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(Pescud admires the family's heritage, but he does not strictly value aristocratic traditions himself.)
4.
Assertion (A): Pescud’s marriage proposal is initially rejected by the Colonel.
Reason (R): The Colonel dislikes that Pescud is a traveling salesman.
✅ (c) A is true, but R is false.
(The Colonel does not reject Pescud outright; rather, he listens to him and ultimately approves of him.)
5.
Assertion (A): Pescud believes his own life story is more realistic than a best-selling novel.
Reason (R): Pescud follows a woman across the country and marries her after convincing her father.
✅ (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(Pescud thinks his story is realistic, yet ironically, it resembles a best-selling novel.)
6.
Assertion (A): Pescud was genuinely interested in Jessie as soon as he saw her.
Reason (R): He was charmed by her sophisticated and aristocratic demeanor.
✅ (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(Pescud was immediately drawn to Jessie, and her elegance contributed to his attraction.)
7.
Assertion (A): Pescud lies to the hotel landlord about his reason for being in town.
Reason (R): He doesn't want people to know he's following a woman he just met.
✅ (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(Pescud pretends to be there for business rather than admitting he followed Jessie.)
8.
Assertion (A): The Colonel immediately approves of Pescud after learning his intentions.
Reason (R): The Colonel respects Pescud’s honest and persistent nature.
✅ (d) A is false, but R is true.
(The Colonel did not approve immediately but was amused by Pescud’s persistence and sincerity.)
9.
Assertion (A): Pescud’s opinion of best-sellers contrasts with his own actions
Reason (R): His life mirrors a romance novel despite his criticisms.
✅ (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(Pescud criticizes romantic fiction but unknowingly lives out a similar story.)
10.
Assertion (A): Pescud enjoys telling the narrator his story because he finds it ironic.
Reason (R): Pescud realizes his life turned out to resemble a best-seller.
✅ (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(He enjoys telling the story because he is proud of his success, not because he sees the irony in it.)
