Final Answer:
One of the ways O. Henry sets up the irony for the end of his story is through the portrayal of the main character's lack of success in gambling, hinting at his unfortunate luck, which contrasts with the unexpected turn of events leading to a surprising twist in the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
O. Henry, known for his use of situational irony, strategically plants clues throughout the story that foreshadow a different outcome from what is expected. In this particular case, the main character's repeated failures in gambling or luck-based activities serve as a setup for the ironic twist at the story's conclusion. The author deliberately crafts scenarios depicting the protagonist's consistent lack of success, subtly hinting at his perpetually unfortunate circumstances, leading the reader to anticipate a predictable outcome that aligns with the character's ill-fated experiences.
The irony comes to fruition at the story's climax when O. Henry presents an unexpected turn of events that sharply contrast the expected conclusion. The setup created by the protagonist's continual streak of bad luck primes the reader for a particular ending. However, O. Henry ingeniously subverts these expectations, revealing an ironic twist that challenges the anticipated outcome and surprises the audience. This contrast between the established expectation and the ultimate unforeseen resolution exemplifies O. Henry's masterful use of irony to engage and captivate readers.