“After Twenty Years” By O “After Twenty Years” By O. Henry Literary Analysis Questions & page 327 #1-3

Literary Analysis #1 Based on the story so far, do you expect the old friends to reunite? Explain. The situation is suspicious. The man waiting has a scar on his face and a diamond pin and watch. This makes him sound like a shady character. Also, wind and rain have made the streets empty. These details do not foreshadow (hint at) a happy ending. Based on facts alone, there is very little in the story which suggests whether the two will reunite or not.

Literary Analysis #2 Did you expect Jimmy to show up for th emmeting? Why or why not? YES – because the friend described him as reliable and loyal. NO – the speaker is so sure that he will, that it made me expect the opposite.

1a. RECALL: Where is the story set?

Literary Analysis #3 Which of the two men seems to have had more success in the twenty years since they last met? Bob seems to have enjoyed more success – he talk about his career and the diamonds indicate he is financially well off. Jimmy, by contrast, is evasive and vague about his career – we don’t know much about his successes in life.

Literary Analysis #4 How does the patrolman’s name indicate the irony of the conversation with the policeman at the beginning of this story? The first few paragraphs indicate the patrolman and the man in the doorway are strangers. When the reader finds out the patrolman is Jimmy Wells, the irony of the story becomes clear.

The story is set in the early 1900s on a New York City street at 10 o’clock at night.

1b. ANALYZE – Describe the atmosphere, or mood, using two details from the story.

The atmosphere of the story is suspenseful and gloomy, because the streets are deserted and a chilly wind is blowing.

2a. RECALL: How does Bob describe Jimmy – both his strengths and weaknesses?

Bob believes Jimmy is a good person but not very motivated.

2b. INFER: How did Bob spend his time away from his hometown?

Bob committed crimes.

3a. SUPPORT: What evidence shows that both Bob and Jimmy are proud of their accomplishments?

Jimmy’s loyalty to his job shows his pride Jimmy’s loyalty to his job shows his pride. Bob’s bragging shows his pride.

3c. MAKE A JUDGEMENT: Who has been more successful, Bob or Jimmy 3c. MAKE A JUDGEMENT: Who has been more successful, Bob or Jimmy? Explain your answer.

Some may say Jimmy because he has stayed on the right side of the law Some may say Jimmy because he has stayed on the right side of the law. Others may claim Bob because of his material success.

Make sure you know the three different types of irony – they will be on the test!!!