Questions and Answers
What is the setting of 'A Retrieved Reformation'?
Elmore, Arkansas, Early 1900's, begins in prison
What is the mood of the story?
Hopeful
Why is Valentine in prison, and why is he pardoned?
He is in prison for 'cracking safes' and pardoned because he has 'many friends on the outside'.
How does Valentine support himself after he gets out of prison?
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At what point in the story does Valentine become another man, and what causes the change?
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Why does Valentine use his old talents once again?
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List three details that support the idea that Valentine has really changed.
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Why does Ben pretend not to know Jimmy?
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What happens in the introduction of the story?
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What key events occur during the rising action?
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What is the climax of the story?
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What occurs in the falling action?
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What is the resolution of the story?
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What point of view is the story told from?
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What is the theme of 'A Retrieved Reformation'?
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What conflict is primarily present in the story?
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Explain the title of the story, 'A Retrieved Reformation'.
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Why is this story considered to have a 'surprise ending'?
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What character type is Jimmy Valentine?
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What character type is Ralph Spencer?
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What type of character is Ben Price?
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What type of character is Annabel?
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What type of character is Annabel's father?
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Explain the significance of the rose in the story.
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What is the author's purpose/moral of the story?
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What is the central idea of the story?
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Study Notes
Setting
- Takes place in Elmore, Arkansas during the early 1900s, starting in a prison environment.
Mood
- The mood is hopeful, emphasizing the potential for change in individuals.
Valentine’s Imprisonment
- Jimmy Valentine is imprisoned for "cracking safes."
- He receives a pardon from the Governor due to his connections and friendships outside the prison.
Post-Prison Life
- After release, Valentine initially resumes his life as a safe-cracker.
Transformation Moment
- Valentine undergoes a significant transformation when he gazes into the banker's daughter's eyes, leading him to forget his criminal past.
Return to Skills
- Valentine utilizes his old skills to rescue Annabel's niece when she gets accidentally locked in a bank vault, jeopardizing his new life.
Evidence of Change
- Valentine’s transformation is supported by three actions: he abandons an armed robbery plan, opens a successful shoe store, and plans to give away his burglary tools.
Ben's Deception
- Ben Price pretends not to recognize Jimmy, believing in his reform and allowing him to continue living as Ralph D. Spencer.
Introduction
- The story begins with Jimmy being pardoned and given money and a ticket for starting over.
Rising Action
- After prison, Valentine attempts bank robbery again but falls in love with Annabel and starts a new life in Elmore.
Climax
- The climax occurs when Agatha gets locked in a vault, forcing Jimmy to make a critical choice that could expose his past.
Falling Action
- Jimmy's skill in opening the safe reveals his past as a criminal and puts his future with Annabel at risk.
Conclusion
- Jimmy saves Annabel's niece, and Ben prices decides to ignore Jimmy's past, allowing him to lead a reformed life.
Point of View
- The story is told in third person limited, primarily focused on Jimmy/Ralph without his direct narration.
Theme
- The central theme is about redemption and the possibility of starting anew, emphasizing doing the right thing despite potential risks.
Conflicts
- Features two main conflicts:
- Man vs. Man (Ben Price vs. Jimmy Valentine)
- Man vs. Self (Jimmy's struggle between his identity as a thief and a transformed man).
Title Explanation
- The title reflects Valentine’s loss of his new identity upon saving the girl; Ben Price's action retrieves that identity by keeping Jimmy's past a secret.
Surprise Ending
- The story concludes with a twist, as Jimmy is not formally accused of any crimes after his release.
Character Analysis: Jimmy Valentine
- Jimmy is a round character with a dual personality as both a charismatic thief and a man seeking redemption; he experiences dynamic change throughout the story.
Character Analysis: Ralph Spencer
- Initially a deceitful persona, Ralph becomes dynamic as he reforms his character through love for Annabel.
Character Analysis: Ben Price
- A static character who embodies moral integrity by ultimately allowing Jimmy to escape his past.
Character Analysis: Annabel
- She is a flat and static character portrayed as beautiful and kind, representing love but lacking depth in development.
Character Analysis: Annabel's Father
- Also flat and static, he is depicted only as a banker who loves his daughter without significant growth throughout the story.
Symbolism of the Rose
- The rose symbolizes Jimmy's return to his true identity, similar to themes in "Field of Dreams."
Author's Purpose
- Underscores the idea of inherent goodness in humanity and the capacity for personal change.
Central Idea
- Promotes the romantic notion that people possess intrinsic goodness, as demonstrated by Jimmy’s selfless act to save the child, supported by the love of Annabel and Ben’s kindness.
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Description
Explore the journey of Jimmy Valentine, a safe-cracker imprisoned in Elmore, Arkansas. This quiz delves into his transformation from a life of crime to one of hope and redemption inspired by love and responsibility. Test your understanding of the themes and character development in this gripping narrative.