Title “A Retrieved Reformation,” by O. Henry is a story with a “twist of irony” and many themes and lessons that makes it interesting and easy to read. One of the best things about the story, in my opinion, is the lessons learned at the end of the story. The themes in “A Retrieved Reformation” are, the power of love, right vs. wrong, and appearances vs. reality. For Jimmy, the power of love is found throughout the story. Jimmy went to Elmore first to rob, yet another, bank. When he was checking out the bank he saw Annabelle Adams. “Jimmy Valentine looked into her eyes, forgot what he was, and became another man.” The text from the story shows he looked straight into her eyes and just forgot about what he was there to do. Also, towards the
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That happens a lot in this short story, proving the theme, appearances vs. reality, true. It first happens when Jimmy gets dressed up in a suit and Mike believes he has changed. Then Jimmy says, “I’m representing the New York Amalgamated Short Snap Biscuit Cracker and Frazzled Wheat Company.” The text also perceives Mikes reaction by saying, “This statement delighted Mike [.]” Jimmy’s appearance made Mike approve of Jimmy and believe his story. However, the reality of the situation was that Jimmy was lying and he was on his way to crack another safe. Towards the end of the story, Ben finds Jimmy in Elmore and waits for him outside of the bank. The text states, “He lounged about town in his quiet way until he found out what he wanted to know.” It appeared as if Ben Price was going to arrest Jimmy for his crime spree. However, Ben finds Jimmy and doesn’t arresting him. Jimmy lying and Ben Price not arresting Jimmy show that appearances are very different from reality. “A Retrieved Reformation,” is a story with many themes that the reader can easily find through out. The theme the power of love is mainly shown between Annabelle and Ralph (Jimmy.) Right vs. Wrong is the decisions Jimmy makes and he chooses right multiple times! Finally, appearances vs. reality is something that happens often and fools people just like it fooled Mike and you (the
That happens a lot in this short story, proving the theme, appearances vs. reality, true. It first happens when Jimmy gets dressed up in a suit and Mike believes he has changed. Then Jimmy says, “I’m representing the New York Amalgamated Short Snap Biscuit Cracker and Frazzled Wheat Company.” The text also perceives Mikes reaction by saying, “This statement delighted Mike [.]” Jimmy’s appearance made Mike approve of Jimmy and believe his story. However, the reality of the situation was that Jimmy was lying and he was on his way to crack another safe. Towards the end of the story, Ben finds Jimmy in Elmore and waits for him outside of the bank. The text states, “He lounged about town in his quiet way until he found out what he wanted to know.” It appeared as if Ben Price was going to arrest Jimmy for his crime spree. However, Ben finds Jimmy and doesn’t arresting him. Jimmy lying and Ben Price not arresting Jimmy show that appearances are very different from reality. “A Retrieved Reformation,” is a story with many themes that the reader can easily find through out. The theme the power of love is mainly shown between Annabelle and Ralph (Jimmy.) Right vs. Wrong is the decisions Jimmy makes and he chooses right multiple times! Finally, appearances vs. reality is something that happens often and fools people just like it fooled Mike and you (the