Skip to main content

What was the problem in "After Twenty Years" by O. Henry? How did the main characters resolve it?

The main problem in the story "After Twenty Years" is Jimmy's. He keeps his appointment to meet his old friend Bob but quickly realizes Bob is a criminal wanted by the Chicago police. Jimmy has to decide between whether (1) to identify himself as a cop and arrest Bob, (2) to identify himself as a cop and warn Bob to get lost, (3) not to identify himself at all and just go away and leave...

The main problem in the story "After Twenty Years" is Jimmy's. He keeps his appointment to meet his old friend Bob but quickly realizes Bob is a criminal wanted by the Chicago police. Jimmy has to decide between whether (1) to identify himself as a cop and arrest Bob, (2) to identify himself as a cop and warn Bob to get lost, (3) not to identify himself at all and just go away and leave Bob waiting there until he gives up and leaves, or (4) not to identify himself but to get another cop to make the arrest. Jimmy makes the decides to take the fourth option, as shown by the note he leaves for Bob and by the fact that a plainclothes detective arrives to place Bob under arrest.


It is interesting that Jimmy and Bob have a long conversation in the doorway of the hardware store but the reader never suspects Jimmy is experiencing any problem at all. Jimmy's problem shapes the story and determines its outcome. Many readers have questioned whether Jimmy did the right thing. After all, Bob was an old friend—or was he? Bob used to be a friend. It could be argued their friendship ends when Bob lights his cigar and Jimmy sees the face of the man wanted by the Chicago police. Now Bob is an erstwhile friend. Jimmy does not hesitate to decide Bob should be arrested. His only misgiving is about making the arrest himself. He knows this would create an unpleasant scene. Bob would appeal to their old friendship.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Can you analyze the poem "Absolution" by Siegfried Sassoon?

Sure! Siegfried Sassoon fought in World War I and was wounded in battle; he spent much of his life speaking out against war, and these pacifist feelings are easy to see in his poems. This one, "Absolution," was published in 1917, the same year that Sassoon was hospitalized for what we know today as post-traumatic stress disorder. "Absolution" is a short poem that contains three stanzas of four lines each. The word "absolution" means "forgiveness," and... Sure! Siegfried Sassoon fought in World War I and was wounded in battle; he spent much of his life speaking out against war, and these pacifist feelings are easy to see in his poems. This one, "Absolution," was published in 1917, the same year that Sassoon was hospitalized for what we know today as post-traumatic stress disorder. "Absolution" is a short poem that contains three stanzas of four lines each. The word "absolution" means "forgiveness," and the v...

How and why does James Gatz become Jay Gatsby? Describe the young Gatsby/Gatz.

James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune,... James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune, whereas they arose from well-to-do families. Gatz became Gatsby through determination and discipline. At the end of the novel, the narr...

In chapter one of The Great Gatsby, what advice does Nick's father give him? How does this make him a good person to tell this story?

Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches... Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches into a discussion of how pe...