The Trimmed Lamp and Other Stories of the Four Million

The title The Trimmed Lamp refers to the idea of domestic economy and making do with what one has. The Four Million in the title refers to the population of New York City at the time emphasizing that O. Henry's stories often focused on the ordinary lives of everyday people especially those in the lower and middle classes.Some of the stories in this collection include The Trimmed Lamp The Pendulum The Enchanted Profile The Duplicity of Hargraves The Whirligig of Life and many others. These stories often explore themes of love deception irony and the human condition in the context of everyday life in early 20th-century America.O. Henry's stories are known for their clever wordplay unexpected twists and sympathetic portrayal of characters from various walks of life. His storytelling style has made him a beloved figure in American literature and his works continue to be read and enjoyed by readers today.