John Doe

Hour 1

3/9/2020

Sample Essay

In the story, “A Retrieved Reformation,” by O.Henry, many characters have their lives turned upside down by the events that unfold.  Jimmy Valentine, a famous bank robber, must decide who he wants to be in life.  Will he become a more honest person?  Or will he continue his life as a criminal?  Through the characters in the story, the author teaches the readers that a person’s choices can impact who they become in life.

        In the story, Ben Price is an example of a character whose choices determine his destiny.  Ben Price, a police detective, is constantly trying to capture the famous criminal Jimmy Valentine throughout the story.  Ben states,  “Yes. I guess I want Mr. Valentine.  He’ll do his bit without any short time or clemency foolishness,” (3).  This shows the reader that Ben Price was adamant that he was going to catch Jimmy.  He also believed that Jimmy should serve his entire punishment without any forgiveness or early release.  Later in the story, when Ben Price finally catches up to Jimmy Valentine (Ralph Spencer), Ben states, “I guess you’re mistaken Mr. Spencer.  Don’t believe I recognize you.”  This shows the reader that Ben Price has had a change in heart.  Since Ben decided to let Jimmy go, it proves that he has become a more forgiving person than the man who wanted to show Jimmy no mercy.

        In addition to Ben Price, Jimmy Valentine is another character whose choices determine their destiny.  For example, at the beginning of the story the reader is introduced to the famous criminal, Jimmy Valentine, as he is being released from prison.  Even though Jimmy denies being a criminal, the reader knows otherwise when the narrator states, “He gazed fondly at the finest set of burglar's tools in the East,” (2).  This is the only time the reader is told that Jimmy is indeed a burglar.  Jimmy uses these tools to rob the many banks he encounters.  Later in the story, Jimmy gives up his old profession for a more stable life.  Jimmy writes a letter to an old friend explaining how much he has changed.  Jimmy himself states in the letter, “I wouldn’t touch a dollar of another man’s money now for a million,” (6).  Jimmy’s refusal to steal demonstrates his complete change for love.  Jimmy’s love for Annabel prompted Jimmy to change his ways to become a more honest person.  

Ben Price and Jimmy Valentine are the two opposing characters in the story.  However, in the end they both share their ability to improve who they are.  Ben became a more forgiving person with his decision to let Jimmy go free.  Jimmy became a more honest person with his decision to love Annabel and give up crime.  Henry uses both characters to show the reader that if a person makes the right choices, they can change who they are for the better.