Student Question
How does cracking the Elmore bank's vault affect Jimmy Valentine?
Quick answer:
Cracking the Elmore bank's vault forces Jimmy Valentine to reveal his safecracking skills, exposing his criminal past to the public. He does this to save Annabel's niece, Agatha, who is accidentally locked inside. This act of selflessness risks his future and relationship with Annabel, whom he loves deeply. Despite expecting arrest, Ben Price lets him go, recognizing Jimmy's transformation and commitment to change. Jimmy's actions demonstrate his love and desire to leave his past behind.
Most of Mr. Adams’ family and close friends attend the unveiling of the new safe ceremony at Elmore bank. Jimmy, being Annabel Adams’ fiancé, also attends the ceremony. Later on, he plans to travel to Little Rock to run a few errands. He carries his suitcase of safecracking tools which he plans to give away to an old friend at Little Rock. When Annabel’s niece Agatha is accidentally locked in the new vault, Jimmy is forced to crack it open, thereby blowing up his cover of innocence.
Cracking the vault of Elmore bank forces Jimmy to show his safecracking skills to the, until then, unsuspecting public. Afterwards, he walks away without a word to anybody. When he meets Ben Price at the door of the bank, on his way out, Jimmy greets him and submits to his authority. He thinks that Ben Price is going to arrest him, and is kind of resigned to this possibility. However, Ben lets him go. After cracking the safe, Jimmy thinks that he has lost everything, even the love of his life Annabel. This is why he asks Annabel to give him the rose on her dress before cracking the safe. The rose will be a souvenir of sorts. By cracking the safe, he has exhibited great selflessness and a caring for other people. Clearly, his love for Annabel has motivated him to turn a new leaf.
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