1. Why did Jimmy get out of jail as soon as he did? What was he given when he left? He had friends with power, money, and connections. His friends were able to manipulate the legal system and have the Governor sign an official pardon notice. He was given A cigar A train ticket $5 An uncomfortable and cheap suit of clothing Cheap, stiff shoes Advice He did not appreciate any of these things and either used them poorly or disregarded them.

2. Describe Jimmy Valentine. Sarcastic but in a likeable way Cocky Bank robber, lacking in morals and ethics Charming Has finesse Genial Selfish and greedy, doesn’t care that he is hurting others Used to the finer things in life, good food, nice clothing Has friends in high society with money, power, and connections

3. What does Jimmy do after his release that shows he plans to ignore the warden’s advice? He wastes the whole $5 on one lavish meal instead of using it to start a new life. He cleans and polishes his tools in preparation for a new heist. He changes out of the suit and shoes given to him upon leaving the prison and dresses in finer clothing more suited to his old lifestyle.

4. Why does Jimmy go to Elmore? He goes to Elmore to rob the Elmore Bank. He pays a young boy outside of the bank to answer his questions, giving him information about the bank, the town, and the bank owner’s daughter.

5. Why does Jimmy suggest that he may go into the shoe business? Why does he use a different name? He may lie about his name and intention for being in Elmore to cover up his true identity, so as to start a new life after falling in love with Annabelle Adams. He may lie about his name and intentions for being in Elmore to cover up his real reason for being their and to hide his identity as a criminal. He certainly is not going to tell the clerk who he really is and that he is there to rob the bank.

6. Why does Jimmy reform? What leads you to believe that he has truly reformed? He changes after falling in love with Annabelle Adams. He proves his change by Starting a shoe business and honestly earning money Avoiding criminal activity for over a year Getting engaged to Annabelle, putting her first in his life Becoming well liked and respected in the community as an honest and upright citizen Offering to give an old friend his suitcase of tools, which will then prevent him from opening other safes

7. Explain the comparison of Jimmy to the phoenix. Why is this not entirely accurate? The phoenix burst into flames and dies when old. From the ashes a new baby phoenix is born. When Jimmy sees Annabelle Adams for the first time he “burst into flames” and seems to be changed. From this experience a new character, Ralph D. Spencer, is born. This is not entirely accurate because Jimmy comes back at the end to break open the safe, saving Agatha. The old phoenix can not come back after being burned to death.

8. How can you tell that Jimmy is concerned that he might be recognized and taken to prison for the crimes he committed before his reform? He asks Annabelle for the flower that is pinned to her dress. This would serve as a reminder or symbol of their love and relationship. If he were to be arrested, he would have something with which to remember her.

9. What makes Jimmy decide to open the safe? He is a new man, a changed man. He is putting others before himself and knows that he can save the girl. He doesn’t want Annabelle to be hurt if he doesn’t save the girl.

10. Why does Jimmy leave after opening the safe? He doesn’t want to face the consequences or answer the questions of Annabelle and her family. He doesn’t want Annabelle to see him being arrested. He doesn’t want to deal with Annabelle, as it would be hard to leave her. He knows that Ben Price is there and that he will be arrested.

11. Why does Ben Price deny having known Jimmy? He realizes that Jimmy has changed. He doesn’t want to arrest Jimmy because of this change. He sees that Jimmy is putting others before himself. He sees that Jimmy is no longer selfish and greedy. He wants to help Jimmy to continue on his journey in this new life.

12. Why is the title “A Retrieved Reformation” fitting for the story. Retrieved means to bring back. Reformation means to change. So the title means to bring back a change. Jimmy changes to Ralph Spencer. But, this change is threatened when he saves the girl, as Jimmy comes back. But, the change is saved when Ben Price lets Jimmy go and allows him to maintain his life as Ralph.