One thousand dollars is a mighty sum (not too big, but still bigger) and one that should be used wisely. Yet in his short story “One Thousand Dollars,” O. Henry follows young Bobby Gillian as he debates what he should do with the $1,000 (over $33,000 today) he’s just inherited. He’s unsure how he should use this money, so he seeks advice from others.
An Inherited Sum
After his uncle dies, young Bobby Gillian receives $1,000, as stipulated by his uncle’s will. Though his uncle was a millionaire, he bestowed $1,000 on Bobby and gave his butler, his housekeeper, and his ward $10 and a ring. The rest of his millions were given to scientific research and the development of a hospital.The lawyer gives inheritance to Bobby and announces that there is a stipulation: After he spends the money, Bobby must return to the lawyers with an account of “the manner of expenditure.” Bobby promises that he will do so and heads out the door, wondering what he can do with such an odd amount of money. He felt the amount neither enough to secure his future, nor small enough to fitter away.
