Introduction:

In the story "The Duplicity of Hargraves" by O. Henry, Colonel Allyn mentions Sir Courtenay Pescud in his conversation with Pescud. The mention of Sir Courtenay Pescud serves as a clever plot device to create confusion and misunderstanding between the characters.

Background:

Sir Courtenay Pescud is a fictional character who is described as a wealthy and influential Englishman. He is known for his philanthropic endeavors and is highly regarded in society. Colonel Allyn is aware of Pescud's reputation and exploits this knowledge to manipulate Pescud's perception of himself.

Creating a False Impression:

Colonel Allyn strategically mentions Sir Courtenay Pescud in his conversation with Pescud to create a false impression that he is well-acquainted with the esteemed Englishman. By dropping Pescud's name casually into the conversation, Allyn aims to elevate his own social standing in Pescud's eyes.

Generating Curiosity:

The mention of Sir Courtenay Pescud piques Pescud's curiosity and makes him intrigued by the possibility of having a connection with such a prominent figure. Pescud becomes eager to know more about his supposed association with Sir Courtenay Pescud, which provides Colonel Allyn with an opportunity to manipulate him further.

Exploiting Pescud's Vanity:

Pescud, being a simple and modest man, is flattered by the idea of having a connection with someone as influential as Sir Courtenay Pescud. His vanity is exploited by Colonel Allyn, who uses this false association to gain Pescud's trust and manipulate him for his own benefit.

Creating Confusion:

The mention of Sir Courtenay Pescud also adds an element of confusion to the story. Pescud, initially believing that he is connected to the famous Englishman, becomes entangled in a web of deception and duplicity. This confusion serves as a central theme in the story, leading to unexpected twists and turns.

Conclusion:

The mention of Sir Courtenay Pescud in the conversation between Colonel Allyn and Pescud serves multiple purposes. It helps Colonel Allyn create a false impression, generate curiosity, exploit Pescud's vanity, and add an element of confusion to the story. This clever plot device adds depth to the characters and drives the narrative forward, ultimately leading to an unexpected resolution.