O' Henry’s Short Story, ‘Mammon and the Archer’

Money can't buy love is a point made clear in O'Henry's "Mammon and the Archer." “Cupid in a Landscape,” circa 1510, by Il Sodoma. Public Domain

As you prepare for St. Valentine’s Day—writing cards, arranging flowers, or buying chocolates—remember that true love cannot be bought. So when you buy a gift, give it with your heart and with kindness.

Writer O. Henry encourages us in such gift giving in his short story, “Mammon and the Archer.” In it, Richard goes to his father with a dilemma of love, but he helps his father realize that he cannot buy love and, when he uses his money, he must use it for the good of others.

Lovesick Dilemma

Millionaire Anthony Rockwall gained his fortune selling soap, and now lives in a lovely mansion on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. While sitting in his library one day, he calls for his son, Richard.

After arriving in the library and discussing the company’s expenses with his father, Richard gloomily confesses: “There are some things that money can’t accomplish.” A little irritated, Old Anthony asks his son what money cannot buy. Richard replies that money cannot buy him enough time to propose to Miss Lantry, the girl he loves.

Richard explains that Miss Lantry will leave for Europe in two days and, before that time, he will have just a few minutes alone with her. Tomorrow, he will pick her up in a cab at the Grand Central Station, they will attend the theater,  with Miss Lantry’s mother, and go to a party. He and Miss Lantry will only be alone in the cab for a few minutes.

She will go, Richard will stay, and that will be the end. With that, Old Anthony dismisses a downcast Richard, admitting that one cannot have eternity delivered at the door.

Time Purchased

The next evening, as Richard prepares to pick up Miss Lantry, his Aunt Ellen presents him with a ring: “Your mother gave it to me. ... She asked me to give it to you when you had found the one you loved.” With the ring secured, Richard heads out.

At the station, Richard safely escorts Miss Lantry into the cab and orders the driver to take them to the theater as fast as possible. They speed off.

But wait. The ring. Richard has dropped his mother’s ring. The cab stops and Richard runs back to retrieve the ring. Within a minute, he is back.

However, in that minute, an incredible, impossible traffic jam closes their cab in. All exits are blocked, and wheels are locked in the worst blockade ever seen in Manhattan. With such a blockade, Richard and Miss Lantry will not be able to move for hours and Richard has been given time.

"Cupid Blowing Soap Bubbles," 1634, by Rembrandt. Public Domain

Through this fun story, Henry demonstrates what C.S. Lewis says in “God in the Dock”: “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” Though true love and familial love cannot be bought, money can be wisely used for the benefit of loved ones.

When you think about St. Valentine’s Day, consider how you can best demonstrate your love for friends and family. Though you may not be able to purchase time, let your love guide you to the best gift. Most importantly, hold your loved ones close and keep their ultimate good in mind.

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