A Retrieved Reformation Summary

Introduction: About Writer and Story

"A Retrieved Reformation" is a short story by O. Henry, a prominent American author known for his wit, realistic detail, and ironic plot twists. The story was first published as "A Retrieved Reform" in Cosmopolitan magazine in 1903. It is an excellent example of Realism, a literary movement popular in the United States and Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Realism focuses on portraying the everyday lives of ordinary people, using detailed descriptions and conversational dialogue.

The events in "A Retrieved Reformation" are inspired by the real-life experiences of the author, William Sydney Porter, who wrote under the pen name O. Henry. Porter spent several years in prison for embezzlement and began writing while incarcerated. The story reflects his transformation and redemption. O. Henry is renowned for his collection of over 600 stories, all characterized by his distinctive style and unexpected plot twists. Some of his other famous stories include "The Gift of the Magi" (1905) and "The Ransom of Red Chief" (1907), which also feature surprise endings similar to "A Retrieved Reformation."

Due to its popularity, "A Retrieved Reformation" has been adapted multiple times for the stage and screen. In 1910, it was produced as a Broadway play titled "Alias Jimmy Valentine." This play was later adapted for film, with different versions released in 1915, 1920, and 1928. Another adaptation, titled "The Affairs of Jimmy Valentine," was released in 1942. The story also inspired a radio series called "Alias Jimmy Valentine," which aired from 1938 to 1939. In 1985, it was produced as an hour-long drama called "Valentine's Revenge" for the PBS American Playhouse series. This adaptation included an additional segment depicting O. Henry's meeting with a prisoner whose exploits inspired the safecracking adventures of the character Jimmy Valentine.

O. Henry had a considerable effect on the literary world and was honored with the O. Henry Award given to exceptional short story authors. The PEN/O. Henry Prize Stories is an annual anthology of the 20 greatest short stories published in American periodicals

Introduction: About Writer and Story

Summary

The narrative of "A Retrieved Reformation" is primarily set in the small town of Elmore, Arkansas, during the early 1900s. The story begins with Jimmy Valentine in prison, repairing shoes in the prison shoe shop. He is summoned to the warden's office, receiving a pardon signed by the governor. Advised to "live straight," Jimmy, after serving only 10 months of his four-year sentence, walks out of prison the next day with five dollars in his pocket, wearing prison clothes.

After having a satisfying meal, Jimmy boards a train and arrives at a caf� owned by his old friend Mike Dolan, who had played a crucial role in securing Jimmy's pardon. He settles into his room above the caf�, finding everything just as he had left it on the day of his arrest, including a button from the shirt of police detective Ben Price, who lost it during the arrest. Jimmy retrieves a suitcase filled with expensive burglar tools worth nearly a thousand dollars, changes into good clothes, and exits the world to resume his criminal activities.

A week after his release, a series of safe burglaries occur, all executed using Jimmy's unique method and style. These incidents catch the attention of Ben Price, who is determined to arrest Jimmy and ensure he serves his complete prison sentence. Price is familiar with Jimmy's work, and his involvement assures those who possess supposedly "burglar-proof" safes.

Jimmy plans to rob the only bank in Elmore, Arkansas. Walking down the street, he notices a young woman entering the bank. Their eyes meet, and Jimmy undergoes a profound transformation. The young woman, Annabel Adams, is the daughter of the bank's owner. Intrigued by Jimmy's good looks and apparent interest in her, she blushes and lowers her eyes.

Curious about the town and the young woman, Jimmy approaches a local boy and inquires about them. He learns that the woman is Annabel Adams, and her father owns the bank. Jimmy registers as "Ralph D. Spencer" at the hotel and intends to start a shoe store in Elmore. The clerk approves of the idea, and Jimmy goes to his room with his suitcase of tools.

Under the alias of Ralph Spencer, Jimmy establishes a prosperous shoe store in Elmore. He becomes well-liked in the community and eventually meets Annabel Adams. A year later, they become engaged, and "Ralph" is warmly embraced as a member of the Adams family. Jimmy writes a letter to his old friend Billy, informing him of his reformed ways, impending marriage, and plans to move west to escape his criminal past. He offers Billy his case of burglar tools and arranges a meeting in Little Rock to hand them over.

The night before Jimmy leaves for Little Rock, Ben Price arrives in Elmore to arrest him. Jimmy has breakfast with the Adams family the following morning before heading to the train station. Accompanied by Annabel's family, including her father and married sister with two young daughters, Jimmy goes to the bank, making a brief detour to the hotel to retrieve his suitcase of tools.

Mr. Adams proudly showcases the new burglar-proof vault inside the bank, explaining its workings to everyone. Ben Price silently enters the bank, observing the situation unbeknownst to them. The teller informs Price that he is waiting for someone he knows. Suddenly, Annabel's sister screams as the two little girls become fascinated with the vault and accidentally lock one of them, Agatha, inside.

The vault's combination has not been set yet, rendering it impossible to open. Agatha begins to scream, and her mother becomes increasingly distressed. Mr. Adams states that no one closer than Little Rock can open the vault. In desperation, Annabel turns to Jimmy, pleading with him to do something to save the little girl.

With a mysterious smile, Jimmy asks Annabel for the rose pinned to her dress. He places the rose in his pocket, removes his coat, rolls up his sleeves, and opens his suitcase of burglar tools. At that moment, Jimmy reverts to his former identity as Jimmy Valentine, a master criminal. Within ten minutes, he successfully opens the vault, rescuing the little girl. Jimmy then puts on his coat and walks towards the door. He hears someone calling "Ralph!" but chooses to ignore it.

At the door, Ben Price awaits him. Jimmy willingly accepts his fate, saying, "Well, let's go. I don't know that it makes much difference now." However, Price pretends not to recognize him, stating, "I don't believe I recognize you." With that, Price turns and walks away, leaving Jimmy free to pursue a new life, even though he has just revealed his true identity as the master thief Jimmy Valentine.