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

The famous 19th-century author tells us that true love cannot be bought.

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.