Jimmy Valentine(Retrieved Reformation)is a short story that highlights the life of a safecracker who currently release from the prison and started a new journey.The story explores themes of redemption, morality and love.
Overview
This article will cover these aspects of short story “jimmy Valentine“.
- Author introduction
- Summary
- Analysis
- Themes
- Lessons
- Conclusion
- Question Answers
Author Introduction
William Sydney Porter or O Henry wrote this story back in 1903.He moved to newyork from North Carolina and adopted the name of O Henry.
The author is famous because of clever ending and twists in his short stories.Few stories are:
Jimmy Valentine Characters
- Jimmy Valentine
He was the main protagonist of story,a well skilled safe cracker or burger.
- Ben Price
A inspector who monitors jimmy actions after his release from prison.
- Annabel Adams
She was the girl whom jimmy love.She was daughter of Mr.Adam(a wealthy banker in story).
- May And Agatha
These are lil girls of Annabel sister.
- Mick Dolan
He was jimmy friend who helped him after his release.
Jimmy Valentine Summary
The story starts when a guard met Jimmy Valentine in prison and took him to prison Warden who said him that he’s now released by governor order.He told Jimmy that he should leave these safe cracking things and live a honest and respectful life.
The next day,jimmy dressed up in prison cloths handed by warden and got 5 dollars to start some good business outside prison.After release, Jimmy first moved to restaurant and had some good food.He donated some money to beggar and moved to little town by train to met his friend Mike Dolan.
Jimmy took key of his room from Mike and checked his room.His room was still the same like he wasn’t captivated.After spending time in room,jimmy valentine took his box full of burglary items and left the room.
After three weeks of jimmy release,many burglaries were reported.Last burglary was of 5000 dollars.A detective Ben Price studied the cases and came on conclusion that only jimmy gonna did this burglary.After case investigation, Ben price went in search of jimmy Valentine.
Jimmy In Elmore
One day jimmy reached a town called Elmore.He saw a beautiful young lady on the street of Elmore and and got to know about her.She was Annabel Adams(daughter or Mr.Adams).Her father was owner of Elmore bank.
Jimmy introduced him as Mr.Ralph D.Spencer in Elmore.He started shoe business there with the money he robbed.He become successful and got new friends in elmore.
Jimmy in love
After getting successful,jimmy develop link with Annebel and fell in love with her.The love changed jimmy and he thought of leaving his past life and he’ll set a good life with his love.
Jimmy Letter
Jimmy also wrote letter to his friend to meet him at Old Rock,so he can hand over all his burglary or safe cracking tools to him and he can get rid of this filth from now on.In those days,Ben price came in city and studied all about Jimmy(that he changed his name as D.Spencer).
Jimmy in Elmore Bank
The next day, jimmy had breakfast with the Adams family and he told Annebel that he’ll visit old rock to buy wedding dress.After breakfast,they went on a event in the Elmore Bank.
Mr Adams proudly showed jimmy his new vault in bank and said no one can break it.At that time,Annabel Sister daughter’s (May And Agatha)were also there.The lil girls were playing with the knobs of vault.
Suddenly,a scream of women came and Jimmy got to know that Agatha was shut in vault.Agatha was crying as she was feared and Annebel gave jimmy a look full of empathy.
Jimmy was afraid as if he’ll open the safe cracker, everyone would know his reality that he was a safecracker and his box that he was holding has cracking items(Jimmy was going to hand his box to his friend after the bank visit but he stuck in this situation).
Jimmy after minutes of observation,tried his best.He was afraid that if he’ll save Agatha life,they all know his past that he was a burger.Annabel send a look that was telling that jimmy should do something.
Jimmy on Annabel pleading,moved close to vault and after 10 minutes saved the lil girl.After finishing work,jimmy met the Ben price and surrendered him self but Ben price forgave him by saying that he’s the wrong guy surrendering.
Jimmy Valentine Analysis
The story says to its readers that good intentions lead to great outcomes.Jimmy was going to leave his past but he stuck in difficult situation.He had good intentions that offered him respect and forgiveness.
Themes
Here are some of themes from this story:
Burglary
Jimmy was a highly skilled safe cracker but after felling in love,he dominate love over himself.
Love
When jimmy first time saw Annabel,he fell in love and thought of change came in his mind.This shows how love can change us.
Business
Jimmy started shoe business in the town that sends message to readers that you should be financially stable for spending life with your partner.
Humanity
Jimmy safe cracking skills first time had some good results and saved life.If jimmy had not saved Agatha life,may be Ben price was going to arrest him.
Forgiveness
This event inspired Ben Price and he forgave jimmy so he can lead a positive life.
Moral Lessons Jimmy Valentine
- Don’t do things that are bad
- Love can change us
- Good intentions bring fruitful results
- Let humanity be your mentor
- Always think that you can change yourself
Review of Short Story Jimmy Valentine
The story was mind blowing and the ending was really unprecedented.I loved how jimmy left his old habit by just felling in love with Annebel.The story highlights how experience sometimes can be beneficial.
- Overall,the story explores themes of love, redemption and morality.One should read this story specially to kids.
Conclusion: Jimmy Valentine Summary
This article discussed jimmy Valentine summary, analysis themes,lessons and questions answers.Overall,it’s full of twists that you’ll enjoy at the end.
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FAQS
Here are Jimmy Valentine Questions And Answers:
Who had pardoned Jimmy Valentine?
Jimmy was sentenced for 4 years imprisonment but after 10 months warden told him that jimmy got pardon by governor.
How long did Jimmy stay or serve in jail?
Jimmy had spent 10 months in the prison.
Who was Mike Dolan?
Mike Dolan was Jimmy Valentine friend who had coffee shop.He helped jimmy in his release from prison.
Who gave the information about Miss Annabel Adams?
when jimmy came in Elmore,he saw Miss Annabel when she was coming out from her father bank.A lil boy standing on stairs of Elmore Bank provide Jimmy info of Annabel.
Why Jimmy Valentine is called Retrieved Reformation?
Jimmy valentine story also called Retrieved Reformation because highlights an event of life transformation.It emphasize the change of habits.