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A Retrieved Reformation

by O. Henry

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A Retrieved Reformation

In O. Henry's "A Retrieved Reformation," Ben Price is a strong, intelligent, and tenacious detective, serving as the antagonist to the reformed safecracker, Jimmy Valentine. Price tracks Valentine,...

6 educator answers

A Retrieved Reformation

Ben Price's relationship with Jimmy is one of respect and understanding. Despite being a detective, Price recognizes Jimmy's genuine reformation and decides to let him go out of compassion and...

3 educator answers

A Retrieved Reformation

The dynamic between Jimmy Valentine and Ben Price in "A Retrieved Reformation" revolves around mutual respect and transformation. Jimmy, a reformed safe-cracker, gains Price's admiration for his...

7 educator answers

A Retrieved Reformation

The main conflict in "A Retrieved Reformation" is Jimmy Valentine's struggle to give up his criminal past and live an honest life. The primary obstacle he faces is his past identity as a skilled...

3 educator answers

A Retrieved Reformation

Ben starts searching for Jimmy in "A Retrieved Reformation" because Jimmy resumed his career as a master safe-cracker after being released from prison, committing three bank robberies in quick...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

Jimmy Valentine changes his name to Mr. Ralph Spencer to start a new life as a legitimate businessman after becoming too well-known as a safecracker. Ben Price, a detective familiar with Jimmy's...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

Ben Price suspects Jimmy of bank robbery because he recognizes Jimmy's modus operandi from previous crimes. Price had arrested Jimmy before for a similar crime, known as the "Springfield job." When...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

"A Retrieved Reformation" follows Jimmy Valentine, a skilled safe-cracker who, upon release from prison, resumes his criminal activities. In the town of Elmore, he is smitten by Annabel Adams and...

2 educator answers

A Retrieved Reformation

Ben Price's words to Jimmy at the end of "A Retrieved Reformation" signify his recognition of Jimmy's genuine reformation. By choosing not to arrest Jimmy, Price acknowledges that he is no longer the...

2 educator answers

A Retrieved Reformation

"A Retrieved Reformation" does not contain direct characterization. Instead, it uses indirect characterization to reveal the personalities of Jimmy Valentine and Ben Price. Jimmy's cleverness and...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

Details suggesting Valentine may be cracking safes include his affection for his safe-cracking tools upon release and a spate of expert safe-burglaries shortly after. Detective Ben Price suspects...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

The two conflicting characters in "A Retrieved Reformation" are Jimmy Valentine, a skilled safecracker, and Ben Price, a dedicated detective. Jimmy, after being released from prison, resumes his...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

In "A Retrieved Reformation," Ben Price's decision not to arrest Jimmy Valentine can be justified because, as a private detective, he was not legally obligated to do so. Unlike a sworn officer, Price...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

To plan a new ending where Ben Price arrests Jimmy Valentine, consider having Ben doubt Jimmy's reformation, believing he will inevitably return to crime. Despite Jimmy's heroic act of saving a...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

Jimmy Valentine infers that Ben Price's presence at the bank signals his intention to arrest him for previous robberies, especially considering Price's past success in capturing him. Price likely...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

In "A Retrieved Reformation," the protagonist is Jimmy Valentine. The story centers on his transformation from a criminal to a reformed man after falling in love, making him the character readers...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

Jimmy surrenders to Ben Price after rescuing Agatha because he chooses to embrace an honest life over his criminal past. After falling in love with Annabel Adams, Jimmy decides to abandon his life of...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

Ben Price's statements in "A Retrieved Reformation" reveal his expertise as a detective and his familiarity with Jimmy Valentine's methods. As a private detective, Price is relentless in pursuing...

1 educator answer

A Retrieved Reformation

Ben Price is a skilled and intelligent detective who acts as Jimmy Valentine's nemesis. He initially arrests Jimmy for a previous bank robbery, leading to Jimmy's imprisonment. After Jimmy resumes...

1 educator answer