A Retrieved Reformation By O. Henry

A Retrieved Reformation: Dialectic Journal Textual Quotes Response The tools will assist Valentine (Spencer) to free Agatha from Mr. Adams’ new safe. However, by saving the girl Valentine discloses his true identity to Annabel Adams’ his fiancée. Mike Dolan is asking if Valentine has any bank robberies scheduled. Tools – “…drills, punches, braces and bits, jimmies, clamps, augers…“ (pg. 253) “Got anything on?” Asked Mike Dolan (pg. 253) 1) What do you think the tools symbolize in the story? What is meant by “Got anything on?”? Jimmy replies: “I’m representing…New York Amalgamated Short Snap Biscuit & Frazzled Wheat Co.

A Retrieved Reformation: Dialectic Journal Textual Quotes Response “Mr. Ralph Spencer, the phoenix that arose from Jimmy Valentine’s ashes.” (pgs. 254-255) This is the turning point of the story. Jimmy Valentine falls in love with Annabel Adam’s, the banker’s daughter, and becomes Ralph D. Spencer. He turns away from bank robbery and starts a shoe store. Phoenix (Definition) – Egyptian Mythology, a beautiful bird that lived for approx. 600 yrs. And then burst into flames. A new bird is then reborn from the ashes. “Jimmy Valentine looked into her eyes, forgot what he was , and became another man.” (pg. 254) Textual – Why does Jimmy choose to become a shoe salesman? He learned the trade in the prison rehabilitation center. (pg. 252) Historical Note: Prison Rehabilitation started at Elmira Reformatory in New York in 1876. Why? The job training would change prisoners into law biding citizens.

A Retrieved Reformation: Dialectic Journal Textual Quotes Response “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away and Jimmy Valentine took his place.” (Pg. 257) “Guess your mistaken, Mr. Spencer.” … “Don’t believe I recognize you.” (Pg. 257) Spencer visually becomes Valentine in dress and manner. He removes his coat and rolls up his shirt sleeves. A mischievous light comes into his eyes and a queer smile is on his lips. Ben Price, the detective, allows Valentine (Spencer) the opportunity to become rehabilitated. Why does Jimmy Valentine ask for Annabel’s rose? Remembrance, Showmanship (Bank Robber), Gallantry (Remember: the quote “ To a woman nothing seems quite impossible to the powers of the man she worships.” (pg. 256) Definition: Gallantry - courteous attention to a lady; amorous attention or pursuit. 2) Who’s reformation was it, Ben Price or Jimmy Valentine’s? True or False: Jimmy Valentine at the end of the story becomes his true self (a bank robber). If so can anyone truly be rehabilitated? Ben Price: What is his reformation? Jimmy Valentine shows, Price, by his willingness to save Agatha even though it costs him his new life that people can be reformed. People are not born either wholly good or evil. Ben Price recognizes the evil in himself’ namely the unwillingness to believe in a person’s innate goodness.

Journal Topic # 4 – “A Retrieved Reformation” 9/18/07 Tell about a time that you had to make a decision. Did you make the right or wrong decision? Why?