Skip to content

Now, girls, if you want to observe a young man hustle out…

“Now, girls, if you want to observe a young man hustle out after a pick and shovel, just tell him that your heart is in some other fellow's grave. Young men are grave-robbers by nature.” quote by O. Henry
Download Open image
“Now, girls, if you want to observe a young man hustle out after a pick and shovel, just tell him that your heart is in some other fellow's grave. Young men are grave-robbers by nature.”

O. Henry

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Men are portrayed as naturally drawn to dangerous or morbid pursuits, likened to grave robbing.

In simple terms: Men are drawn to risky, dark pursuits.

Key Takeaway

Beware romanticizing reckless behavior.

Themes

masculinity risk romanticization metaphor

Mood

cynical ironic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • advice
  • romantic
  • romanticize risk
  • challenge harmful myths

Key Concepts

psychology of desire cultural narratives

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives people to seek danger?
  • Is the "grave‑robber" label fair?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor oversimplifies complex motivations.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by O. Henry

Explore all 135 O. Henry quotes

More Fellows quotes

Browse all 1,897 Fellows quotes