A straw vote only shows which way the hot air blows

A straw vote only shows which way the hot air blows

In the world of O. Henry, the phrase "A straw vote only shows which way the hot air blows" takes on a deeper meaning than just a simple observation about the nature of straw polls. O. Henry, known for his clever twists and turns in his short stories, often used irony and satire to comment on society and human nature. This particular phrase can be seen as a commentary on the fickle and unreliable nature of public opinion, as well as the influence of rhetoric and persuasion in shaping that opinion.

In many of O. Henry's stories, characters are often swayed by external forces, whether it be the charm of a con artist or the power of a well-crafted lie. The idea that a straw vote only shows which way the hot air blows suggests that public opinion can be easily manipulated and influenced by those who have the loudest voices or the most persuasive arguments. In a world where appearances are often deceiving and truth is elusive, it is easy for people to be swayed by the prevailing winds of popular opinion, even if that opinion is based on nothing more than hot air.

One of O. Henry's most famous stories, "The Gift of the Magi," is a perfect example of how appearances can be deceiving and how the true value of something is often hidden beneath the surface. In this story, a young couple sacrifices their most prized possessions in order to buy each other Christmas gifts, only to discover that their sacrifices were in vain. The story is a poignant reminder that true value lies not in material possessions, but in the love and sacrifice that we are willing to make for others.