Skip to content

Fellows Quote by O. Henry

“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

Source Short story: “The Last Leaf” (1910)

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.

3.3 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by O. Henry

Explore all 135 O. Henry quotes

More Fellows quotes

Browse all 1,897 Fellows quotes