A Retrieved Reformation

by O. Henry

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A Retrieved Reformation Questions and Answers

When does the conversation between Jimmy Valentine and the warden let us know about Jimmy's character?  Why was he sent to jail? How does he get released so early?  

In "A Retrieved Reformation," why does Ben Price decide to let Jimmy go?  

Explain the meaning of the title "A Retrieved Reformation."

  Why is Jimmy Valentine in jail?

How does Jimmy Valentine change throughout the story "A Retrieved Reformation"?

Who is Jimmy Valentine?

From the story - A Retrieved Reformation by O. Henry: Do you think Jimmy returned to his life of crime? If so, do you think he will get caught? Why or why not?

What can you infer about Jimmy Valentine’s thinking in "A Retrieved Reformation"? What does he believe Price aims to do at the bank?

Why does Jimmy Valentine ask for the rose Annabel was wearing?

What is the main conflict in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

How are Jimmy Valentine and Ralph Spencer alike and different in "A Retrieved Reformation"? (Please give at least three examples of each category.)  

Who is Ralph Spencer, and explain why he is the phoenix that arises from Jimmy Valentine's ashes in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

Why does Jimmy Valentine go to Mike Dolan's cafe in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

How did Jimmy get information about Annabel and the town?

What are examples of irony involving Jimmy Valentine in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

 Why did Jimmy change his name to Mr. Ralph Spencer? How does Ben Price know Jimmy? Why did Jimmy look at Annabel so strangely? Cite specific examples from the text that helped you determine this.

What are three ways Jimmy Valentine changed in the story "A Retrieved Reformation"?  

What advice does the warden give Jimmy just before Jimmy is released from prison? How does Jimmy respond to the warden in the story "A Retrieved Reformation"?

Analyze the story’s ending. Write Ben Price’s words to Jimmy and then explain what Price means by his words. Finally, explain whether you think Price does the right thing in "A Retrieved Reformation."

In "A Retrieved Reformation," why does Jimmy Valentine decide to become Ralph D. Spencer?

What was the surprise ending of O. Henry's "A Retrieved Reformation"?

Describe how Jimmy's life changed in Elmore, Arkansas.

What does Ben Price do at the end of the story and why?

After Jimmy Valentine is released from prison, how does he feel about committing crimes such as burglary?

Jimmy Valentine

In "A Retrieved Reformation," why did Jimmy go to Elmore? What happened to him there?

In "A Retrieved Reformation," what does the conversation between Jimmy and the warden tell you about Jimmy?  

Who is the detective who arrested Jimmy Valentine in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

How right or wrong do you think it is for Jimmy to give his burglary tools to his friend in "A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry?

How do you know that Jimmy has truly changed in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

Why did Jimmy Valentine wish to give away his tools?

Why does Ben start looking for Jimmy again?

What does Ben Price do at the end of "A Retrieved Reformation"?

How does Ben Price know Jimmy?

Why did Ben Price suspect Jimmy of robbing banks?

In "A Retrieved Reformation" what were Jimmy's successes in Elmore?

Is there any direct characterization in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

Jimmy successfully opens the safe at the Elmore Bank and rescues Agatha. Then he surrenders to Ben price. Why do you think he does so? Give reasons.

Does Jimmy Valentine or Ben Price show greater courage at the end of "A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry?

In the beginning of the story, the warden tells Jimmy to stop cracking safes and live straight. Jimmy responds, saying, “Me? Why I never cracked a safe in my life.” What is this an example of?

Describe Jimmy Valentine's personality and appearance.  

Jimmy changes his ways after he falls in love with Annabel, and it seems that his love for her is sincere. Identify and explain a specific example from the text to illustrate this change in behavior.

What perspective is "A Retrieved Reformation" written in?

What does Jimmy risk in order to save Agatha in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

'Jimmy Valentine knew the game was over. He put his coat on and walked outside the railings towards the front door.' What game was over? Why did he walk outside?

In O. Henry's short story "A Retrieved Reformation," why did Jimmy Valentine stop burglaries?

What does Mike mean by his question, and what is Jimmy's response?  

What is Ben Price's relationship with Jimmy Valentine in "A Retrieved Reformation"?

Why does Jimmy Valentine refer to the young woman as "Polly Simpson"?

What is the theme of "A Retrieved Reformation"?