Gaby SETIABUDI
Ms. Stronks
ELA 8
November 16, 2015
A Retrieved Reformation Questions
Ms. Stronks
ELA 8
November 16, 2015
A Retrieved Reformation Questions
- What advice does the warden give Jimmy just before Jimmy is released from prison? How does Jimmy respond to the warden?
- The warden gives Jimmy the advice to take his own chance to make a man of himself and not break safes open to live a better life. Jimmy responds with a surprised tone denying that he had not broken safes in Springfield.
- What does the clerk hand to Jimmy as he is released from prison? What does Jimmy do with it?
- The clerk gives him clothes, money for the train, and an extra five dollars to help him “be a better man” where he soon buys food and gives some to a blind man.
- What happens to Jimmy in front of the Elmore Bank?
- Jimmy meets Annabelle Adams, the daughter of the owner of Elmore’s Bank, where he falls in love with her.
- Why do you think the warden offers this advice? Do you agree with the warden? Why do you think Jimmy responds the way he does? Do you think the warden believes Jimmy's response? Do you believe Jimmy's response?
- The warden offers Jimmy the advice because in movies and stories they always tell them that kind of advice so they won’t go to jail again. I agree with the warden because he means no harm but only good advice. Jimmy responds the way he responded because he may not want to admit it. Judging by the way he responds, the warden doesn’t believe Jimmy. I don’t believe Jimmy response to the warden.
- Do you think Jimmy has a good chance of changing his life immediately after his release from prison? Why, or why not? What would make it easier for Jimmy to get an honest start?
- No, not directly after prison because a change doesn’t happened immediately. A person may change his life because he may be inspired or persuaded.
- Do you think this is the only thing that changes Jimmy Valentine?
- Yes, because Annabel Adams is the only reason Jimmy changed since she trusts him and they fall in love with each other.
- Identify what you think is the main or central conflict in "A Retrieved Reformation." Is the main conflict between Jimmy and the prison system? Jimmy's new life and his past life? Jimmy and Ben Price? Explain.
- The main conflict in the story is Jimmy’s new life and his past life when he is contemplating to save the baby locked in the bank or not to let his cover not be blown. If his cover was blown then the love of his life would not trust him.
- Based on your analysis of the central conflict in the story, what is the point in which that conflict gets resolved? In other words, what finally ends the conflict? Is it when Jimmy falls in love? When Jimmy writes the letter to Billy? When Ben Price pretends not to recognize Jimmy? Why does this event resolve the conflict?
- The story is resolved when Ben Price pretends not to recognize Jimmy after he saved the baby because if he Jimmy went to jail then he would not have been married with his wife.
- What reasons does Jimmy give for his new and honest life in the letter he writes to Billy. Do the reasons seem genuine? Explain
- The reason I believe Jimmy is genuine because in his letter he writes about how he wants nothing to do with his precious tools he uses to rob, he wants to give his tools away, and he promised he would never rob another man’s money.
- What do you think Jimmy's relationship with Annabel offers him that he didn't have before? If Jimmy hadn't met Annabel, how else do you think he could have found the qualities that would make him want to live an honest life? Do you think he would have found them had he not met Annabel? Explain.
- Jimmy’s relationship with Annabel offers him something he didn’t have before because all his life he was a criminal robber and now he has a wife. He may have been persuaded by another friend possibly. He may have been different but it would not have been the same or as fast with the change because of Annabel.
- Who is the protagonist in this story? Who is the antagonist in this story? Categorize each of these characters as one-dimensional or three-dimensional, and explain why. Identify some examples of O. Henry's use of characterization in the story. Does he use all three techniques of characterization? Does he rely on one technique more than the others? Explain.
- The protagonist of the story is Ralph Spencer because he is a new different man who is in love with his fiancé that wouldn’t dare to steal money. The antagonist is Jimmy Valentine who is a criminal robber with many experiences dealing with safes.
- Look back through the story and complete your graphic organizer. For each example of verbal irony, note what you think the true meaning is and how it adds to the story. In general, how does O. Henry use verbal irony in this story—to create humor or to make a point? Explain your answer.
- “Ralph, how heavy this bag is! It feels full of gold.” (51) The irony in this quote is how Annabel described the bag as if it is filled with gold especially since he is a robber. O. Henry uses verbal irony in the story so the tone of the story isn’t boring and gives the readers a laugh.
- Imagine that you are Ben Price before he meets up with Jimmy Valentine in the town of Elmore. Write the copy for a wanted poster for the capture of Jimmy Valentine. What important clues will you include on the poster to help citizens recall whether they have seen Jimmy Valentine anywhere and thereby help the police capture him?
- James “Jimmy” Valentine
- Tall, young looking man as if he is a college student in his 20’s
- Your average normal man
- Carries a large duffel bag with his tools used to rob banks
- If you have any news or sightings about Jimmy Valentine, call the police
- Imagine that you are Jimmy Valentine sitting in your cell after you have just been told that you'll be released from prison soon. Write an outline or a long narrative list of what you want to do once you are free. Do you want to go back to committing burglary? Do you want to make a fresh start? If so, how will you do it? Can you think of a way to make a fresh start that doesn't involve burglary?
- Eat
- Find my hideout
- Commit more burglaries for money
- Find my friend/supporter/partner
- If necessary, search for a new hideout to live in
- Create more partners that could be useful in other burglaries
- Search up my next target for another burglary
- Plan everything out successfully without any interruptions or failures
- Create a character sketch for Jimmy Valentine. Note details about his physical appearance, the way he talks, his personality, events in his life, and any significant changes in his personality or behavior.