The Roads We Take

by O. Henry

1. What is "Shark" Dodson's profession in the story?
2. What is Mr. Dodson's real profession?
3. What's the main difference between Shark Dodson and Mr. Dodson?
4. What words best describe Dodson?
5. How did "Shark" Dodson end up in the west?
6. On pg. 83 Bob Tidball said, "Oh, I reckon you'd have ended up about the same,"…"It ain't the roads we take; it's what's inside us that makes us turn out the way we do." What does he mean by this statement?
7. What similarities do Bob Tidball and Mr. Williams share?
8. Consider the relevance of the following lines. For each, explain what is happening and how it relates to the story:

a) "Mr. John Big Dog, sitting on the coal tender, unwittingly made a wrong lead by giving an imitation of a target, and the messenger trumped him." (81)

b) "I'd a good deal rather that sorrel of yourn hadn't hurt himself, Bob." (bottom, 83)

c) "…Bolivar cannot carry double." (84)

9. This story uses repetition of phrases to create an effect. How is it effective in the following cases?

a) "The expression on Dodson's face changed in an instant to one of cold ferocity mingled with inexorable cupidity. The soul of the man showed itself for a moment like an evil face in the window of a reputable house." (84 & 85)

b) "Bolivar cannot carry double." (84 & 85)

10. Consider "The Roads We Take" as a title for this short story. Why is this an effective title?