Final answer:
O. Henry's 'A Call Loan' borrows from Bret Harte's 'The Outcasts of Poker Flat' in its Western genre characteristics, especially in setting and atmosphere, character archetypes, and narrative style.
Step-by-step explanation:
O. Henry's A Call Loan shares qualities with Bret Harte's The Outcasts of Poker Flat that categorize both as contributions to the Western genre, marked by specific narrative elements. Among these, setting and atmosphere, character archetypes, and narrative style are prominent features borrowed from Harte's work. The rugged landscapes and the frontier towns set the scene for stories of survival, redemption, and community in the harsh reality of the American West.
Both stories utilize character archetypes typical of the Western genre, such as the stoic hero, the fallen woman, and the outcast, each struggling for redemption or survival. The narrative style is also influenced by Western conventions including a focus on storytelling encompassing both Realism and Naturalism, often through an omniscient narrator who presents the characters and their plights with a blend of factual detail and moral ambiguity.
Despite their use of Western elements, it is important to note that neither story strictly adheres to all the conventions of the genre, instead offering a more nuanced portrayal of life in the American West. Harte and O. Henry provide insight into the complexity of human nature and social dynamics of the time, creating enduring narratives that reflect broader American themes.