O. Henry - A Retrieved Reformation

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Questions and Answers

What was Jimmy Valentine's initial reaction to receiving the paper that indicated he was free?

He showed little pleasure or interest. (correct)

He was annoyed by the prison officer.

He was overwhelmingly joyful.

He expressed disbelief.

Which reason does the chief prison officer suggest for why criminals end up in prison?

They blame external circumstances.

They never admit to their crimes. (correct)

There is always a story they tell.

Innocent people are wrongly convicted.

How long had Jimmy expected to stay in prison before his release?

Four years

Five months

Three months (correct)

One month

What did Jimmy receive upon his release from prison to help him start anew?

New clothes and money Signup and view all the answers

What did Jimmy do immediately after leaving the prison?

He went to a restaurant. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Jimmy's character from his conversation with the chief prison officer?

He lacks self-awareness about his crimes. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the five extra dollars given to Jimmy upon his release?

To encourage him to start a new life. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jimmy feel about wearing the new clothes given to him upon his release?

He found them uncomfortable. Signup and view all the answers

What did Annabel ask Ralph to do in her moment of distress?

Do something to help her Signup and view all the answers

What does Jimmy Valentine do after receiving the flower from Annabel?

Opens his bag of tools Signup and view all the answers

What was Ralph D. Spencer's fate when Jimmy Valentine took over?

He passed away Signup and view all the answers

How did the onlookers react while Jimmy worked on the door?

They became paralyzed with fear Signup and view all the answers

What unusual action did Ben Price take at the end of the passage?

He claimed he didn't recognize Ralph Signup and view all the answers

What was stolen from the safe in Jefferson City?

Five thousand dollars Signup and view all the answers

Who was the cop investigating the safe-breaking incident?

Ben Price Signup and view all the answers

How did Ben Price describe Jim Valentine's method of operation?

Easy and clean Signup and view all the answers

What alias did Jimmy Valentine use when arriving in Elmore?

Ralph D. Spencer Signup and view all the answers

What profession did Jimmy inquire about upon arriving in Elmore?

Shoe business Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in Jimmy when he looked into Annabel Adams' eyes?

He forgot who he was Signup and view all the answers

Why was it difficult to catch Jim Valentine according to Ben Price?

He moved frequently and worked alone Signup and view all the answers

What impression did Jimmy give when talking to the hotel man?

He was friendly and knowledgeable Signup and view all the answers

What was the first action Jimmy took after getting off the train?

He gave money to a blind man. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of business did Mike Dolan run?

A restaurant. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jimmy find when he opened the small door in his room?

A bag containing safe-breaking tools. Signup and view all the answers

How much did it cost Jimmy to have his safe-breaking tools made?

Over nine hundred dollars. Signup and view all the answers

What excuse did Jimmy give for not planning a robbery?

He was working for a reputable company. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the robbery that occurred a week after Jimmy's release?

A safe was broken into and eight hundred dollars were taken. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic did Jimmy's safe-breaking tools possess?

They were crafted from a special material. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Jimmy's behavior after reuniting with Mike Dolan?

He acted as though nothing had changed. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Ralph Spencer do after settling in Elmore?

He started a shoe-shop. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mr. Adams feel about Mr. Ralph Spencer?

He admired him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jimmy planning to do with his tools?

Give them to an old friend. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jimmy say he would avoid after getting married?

Touching another man's money. Signup and view all the answers

How did Annabel Adams feel towards Ralph Spencer?

She was proud of him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant event that Jimmy was preparing for?

His wedding. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of Ben Price upon observing Ralph D. Spencer?

He seemed uncertain about Spencer's intentions. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Mr. Spencer take towards carrying his own bag?

He insisted on carrying it himself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of "A Retrieved Reformation"

Jimmy Valentine, a skilled safe-breaker, is released from prison after ten months, having originally been sentenced to four years.
The chief prison officer encourages Jimmy to reform his ways and lead a better life.
Displaying surprise, Jimmy denies his criminal background when asked about a safe he allegedly broke into in Springfield.

Jimmy's Transition to Freedom

Following his release, Jimmy received new clothes and five dollars to help him start anew.
He experiences the pleasures of freedom, eating well and eventually heading to a small town after a brief train ride.
Upon arriving at Mike Dolan's restaurant, he inquires about his old life and reclaims a hidden bag filled with his safe-breaking tools.

New Identity and Life in Elmore

Adopting the alias Ralph D. Spencer, Jimmy decides to open a shoe shop in Elmore, which has potential for business.
He quickly becomes well-liked in the community and develops feelings for Annabel Adams, the banker’s daughter.
Jimmy plans to marry Annabel within two weeks, portraying himself as a respectable citizen and distancing himself from his former life.

Turning Point and Conflict

A letter sent by Jimmy to an old friend reveals his commitment to a new life and desire to leave his past behind.
Ben Price, a determined detective, arrives in Elmore with intent to capture Jimmy, suspicious of his true identity.
Jimmy prepares for his wedding, unaware of the impending confrontation with his past.

Climax: The Door Incident

As the Adams family is at the bank, a crisis occurs involving a child trapped behind a door, prompting Jimmy to revert to his old skills.
He struggles between his new identity and the instinct to help, ultimately using his safe-breaking tools to save the child, Agatha.
In a moment of tension, Ben Price confronts Jimmy but surprisingly decides to allow him to continue his new life after witnessing his good deed.

Resolution

Ben Price's choice to ignore his initial intentions reflects on the theme of redemption and the possibility of change in individuals.
The story ends with Jimmy affirming his transformation, having chosen love and integrity over his former criminal activities.

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Description

Test your understanding of O. Henry's short story, 'A Retrieved Reformation.' This quiz covers key events, characters, and themes in the narrative. Challenge yourself to recall the details that make this classic story memorable.