In his short story “A Service of Love,“ O. Henry claims, ”When one loves one’s Art no service seems too hard.” He further claims that this premise will be proven both true and false as he follows Joe and Delia Larrabee, a married couple, in their joint and individual pursuit of their arts. Through this wonderful couple, Henry explores what one will do for one’s art—and for love.
For Art
Joe Larrabee is a talented artist whose popular drawing of the town pump at age 6 foretold his future as an artist. Such promise motivates his move to New York City to further his education in painting. Similarly, Delia Caruthers is a wonderful pianist, whose playing “in six octaves” as a child impressed those around her so much that they funded her move to New York City for proper training as a musician. As individuals, Joe and Delia love their art and will do anything for it.When they meet at a party, however, they find that they also love each other. This love soon blossoms in a marriage. They buy a flat; though small, this space shelters them, their arts, and their love.
