Miyuki's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

Anticriminal Life

In O. Henry’s short story “A Retrieved reformation,” Jimmy Valentine must go free, as he has transformed his life. First, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’ Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job, and he changes for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes because he is respectable and must not be punished. Next, Mr. Spencer decides to give away his implements. “She believes in me, and I would not do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I will bring along the tools with me” (O’ Henry 193). Prisoner 9762 was deeply in love and his conscience is driving him crazy, so he decides to take his tools and give away. He needs to let his past walk away from him, so no one would know about it. This demonstrates that Jimmy has no intention of commit another crime. Lastly, Jimmy Valentine reveals himself and does a heroic act. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place… He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell” (O’ Henry 195). While citizens were watching him astonished, Valentine rescues Agatha by using his drill to open the safe. This heroic act shows the readers that he would not use his tools for ambition, but for a good reason or if there is no other option.

Once the reader looks through his accessible evidence, the conclusion is that Ralph D. Spencer ought to go free due to his demonstrated acts of reconstructing his life.

BEA - "Love"

Beatriz Rivera

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 24, 2017

Propped up on Pillows

            In Maxwell’s short story “Love,” foreshadowing is used repeatedly to warn the reader about the young, beautiful, caring teacher’s tragic death. First, the author hints to the reader that Miss Brown will pass away when he describes that she is taking a long time to do a simple task like open a present. “Her [Miss Brown’s] delicate fingers seemed to take forever to remove the ribbon” (Maxwell 8). This makes the reader think of a skeleton. The writer describes her as weak and boney, which is unusual for a young teacher who is only 23. This image indicates she is ill.  Next, the writer gives a clue that the young teacher will soon die when he explains how the children celebrate her birthday. “We escorted (led) her downtown in a body to the special matinee (afternoon movie)” (Maxwell 9). The writer uses the words body and escorted to cause the reader to think about a coffin in a funeral procession. Even though Miss Brown is celebrating a birthday, she will not likely live long. Due to her disease, tuberculosis. Lastly, Maxwell describes to the readers that Miss Brown is close to death when her students pay her a visit. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seemed concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). This makes reader suspect she is going to die soon. Maxwell details that she is soon to be not with us because she already looks like a corpse. She is so weak; she is unable to hold herself up. The author of “Love “utilize hints and clues to notify about the youthful, attractive, warmhearted teacher’s terrible death.

LEAH - "Love"

Leah Hirneisen

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 30, 2017

                                                            Graven in Stone

            In William Maxwell’s short story “Love,” foreshadowing is used repeatedly to warn the reader about the beautiful, young, caring teacher’s tragic death. First, the author hints to the reader that Miss Brown will pass away when he introduces her. “The name [Miss Vera Brown] might as well have been graven in stone” (Maxwell 8). This makes the reader think of a cemetery. The writer describes her name as being on a tombstone, which is unusual for a young, healthy person. This clue indicates that Miss Brown will soon die. Next, the writer indicates that Miss Brown will soon literally live with the dead when he describes the route the boys use to find her home. “At the place where the road turns off to go to the cemetery… there was a red barn” (Maxwell 9). This makes the reader think that the young healthy teacher the boys expected to find is not doing well. The writer uses the word cemetery to make the reader think about death. Very soon, Miss Brown is going to live in the cemetery rather than close to it. Finally, Maxwell foreshadows the beautiful, young teacher’s death when he describes her physical appearance when the boys visit her. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seemed concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). At this point, Vera Brown is so sick that she is unable to move. She is weak and is starting to look more and more like a skeleton. Miss Brown is soon going to die of tuberculosis. The author of “Love” applied hints and clues to advise the readers about the passing of the young, lovely, kind teacher Miss Vera Brown.

ANGIE - "Love"

Angie Q. Ramirez

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 30, 2017  

Teacher’s Death

In Maxwell’s short story “Love,” foreshadowing is used repeatedly to warn the reader about the young, beautiful, caring teacher’s tragic death. First, Maxwell gives clues when Miss Brown will soon fall ill when he introduces her. “The name [Miss Vera Brown] might as well have been graven in stone” (Maxwell 8). Here the reader thinks of a cemetery. Maxwell is giving details of her name being on a tombstone, which a young person does not have. He indicates that her death will come soon. Next, the author gives signs to the reader that Miss Brown will pass away when he describes her difficulty opening a present. “Her [Miss Brown’s] delicate fingers seemed to take forever to remove the ribbon” (Maxwell 8). This makes the reader think of a skeleton. The writer describes her bony fingers when she is opening the present, which is unusual for a healthy person. This clue/image indicates that Miss Brown will soon die. Lastly, the writer is indicating that Miss Brown is near death when the students go visit her. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seems concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). Here the author shows that she’s transformed to a sick person. Maxwell is describing her weak body and how different she looks. She is like a corpse now. The author of “Love” utilizes hints to fill in about the awful downfall of the lovely, graceful and charming educator.  

BEATRIZ: Retrieved Reformation

Beatriz Rivera

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

Free Jimmy Valentine

            In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation”, Jimmy Valentine deserves to be freed despite his acts of crime because selflessly gave up everything to save the life of a child. To begin, Mr. Valentine reforms himself into a trustworthy citizen. “At the end of a year situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Valentine is no longer pursuing a life of crime. While he used to rob safes, he now runs a successful, legitimate business. Now that Valentine is a respectable gentleman, he is engaged to the banker’s daughter. Next, Valentine has transformed into an honest businessman and is no longer a criminal. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me “(O’Henry 193). Falling in love with the banker’s daughter has motivated Valentine to live a clean life. He is giving away safe breaking equipment. Without his gear, Valentine will be unable to rob safes over again. Finally, Jimmy Valentine returns to being to his villainous, dishonest ways, to save Annabel’s niece. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Jimmy gave up his chance on having a better life for the love of his life. He saved the bankers granddaughter from dying and in doing so, lost his life. Jimmy Valentine, the protagonist in O’Henry’s story “A Retrieved Reformation”, earns his freedom after being a lawbreaker because he was unselfish when he saved the little girl.

LEAH: Retrieved Reformation

Leah Hirneisen

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

Worthy Of Freedom

            In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” Jimmy Valentine deserves to be freed despite his acts of crime because he selflessly gave up everything to save the life of a child. To begin, Mr. Valentine reforms himself into a trustworthy citizen. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Valentine is no longer pursuing a life of crime. While he used to rob safes, now he runs a successful, legitimate business. As a respectable gentleman, he is engaged to the banker’s daughter. Next, Valentine transforms into an honest businessman and is no longer a criminal. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Falling in love with the banker’s daughter, has motivated Valentine to live a clean life. He is giving away his safe-breaking equipment. Without his gear, Valentine will be unable to rob safes ever again. Finally, Mr. Valentine risks his freedom to save a child. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immoveable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Valentine’s fiancé’s niece gets trapped in a safe. Valentine is forced to go back to his old safe-breaking self. Mr. Valentine risks his life to save another. Jimmy Valentine in O’Henry’s “A Retrieved Reformation”, is worthy of freedom because he risks everything he had to save a little girl. 

ANGIE: Retrieved Reformation

Angie Q. Ramirez

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

A Changeful Man

            In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” Jimmy Valentine deserves to be freed despite his acts of crime because he selfishly gave up everything to save the life of a child. To begin, Mr. Valentine reformed himself into a trustworthy citizen. “At the end of a year situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Valentine is no longer pursuing a life of crime. While he used to rob safes, he now runs a successful, legitimate business. Now that Valentine is a respectable gentleman, he is engaged to the banker’s daughter. Then, Valentine transforms into an honest businessman and is no longer a criminal. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Falling in love with the banker’s daughter has motivated Valentine to live a clean life. He is giving away his safe cracking equipment. Without his gear, Valentine will be unable to rob safes ever again. Lastly, Valentine gave up everything to save the bankers granddaughter. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Valentine risked everything to save his fiancé’s niece. He finally revealed himself and showed what he was from the start. He didn’t care what people said just to save the banker’s granddaughter. Mr. Valentine, the main character in “A Retrieved Reformation” by O’Henry, did illegal felonies, but must be set free because his helpful act saved a child’s life. 

MEL: Retrieved Reformation

Melach McCabe

English 9

Mrs. Henderson

October 4, 2017

The Changed man

In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation”, Jimmy Valentine deserves to be free despite his acts of crime because he gave up everything to save a life of a child.  Firstly, Mr Valentine reforms himself into an honest citizen.  “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Heny 192).  Valentine is not pursuing a life of crime.  While he used to rob safes, he now runs a successful, legitimate business.  Now that Valentine is a respectful gentleman in town, and he is engaged to the banker’s daughter.  Next, Valentine promises to throw away the only life he knew as a thief to keep his lover.  “She believes in me, and I would not do another crooked thing for the whole world.  Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you.  I will bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193).  Valentine is reborn into a new man.  He is giving away his tools which will render him unable to rob again.  Finally, Valentine, or Spencer, broke his cover to do a heroic thing.  “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place….  He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat.  In a deep silence and immovable, others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195).  Spencer sprang into action turning back into Valentine with his tools when his fiancé’s niece is trapped in a bank safe.  He Knows he will lose the one he loves but he opened the safe anyway.  In “A Retrieved Reformation” by O’Henry, Jimmy Valentine deserves to be set free because he sacrificed his entire future to save a child.

ALANNAH: Retrieved Reformation

Alannah Guardado Ventura 

Emory Henderson 

English 9 

October 4, 2017 

Prized Possession  

In O' Henry's short story "A Retrieved Reformation" Jimmy Valentine deserves to be free despite his criminal behavior because of his selfless acts to save a child.  Firstly, Jimmy Valentine reforms into an honest citizen. "At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoes store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks "(O' Henry 192).  Falling in love and starting a legitimate business makes Jimmy Valentine commit to changing every aspect of his life. Despite his criminal past, Valentine has been reborn he is now trustworthy and full of integrity.   Secondly, Jimmy Valentine has redeemed himself and pledged to live a crime free life. "She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully's, for I must see you. I'll bring along the tools with me" (O' Henry 193) For their strong connection Jimmy Valentine is willing to give up his most prized possession. Finally, Jimmy Valentine uses his criminal skills for good instead of bad. "With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place.... He set his suitcase down on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immoveable, the others watched him as if under a spell"(O' Henry 195). Opening the safe saved a little girls life but ruined Jimmy Valentines. He made a new life for it to be taken away for his skills. "Retrieved Reformation" short story by O' Henry, main character Jimmy Valentine needs to go free for winning the respect of everybody, not doing anything else bad and saving a child's life.  

BRETT: Retrieved Reformation

Brett Oswald

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

Reopening His Criminal Past

In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” Jimmy Valentine deserves to go free despite his criminal behavior because of his selfless act that saved a child. First, Jimmy Valentine reforms into an honest citizen. “At the end of the year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Falling in love and starting a legitimate business makes Jimmy Valentine commit to changing every aspect of his life. Despite his criminal past, Mr. Valentine has been reborn. He is now trustworthy and full of integrity. Later, Jimmy Valentine has redeemed himself and pledged to live a criminal free life. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Jimmy Valentine is passing his bank robbing tools on to an old friend. Without the tools, Jimmy Valentine cannot rob any more banks. He chooses to live a responsible, honest life. Lastly, Jimmy Valentine gave up his new life as Ralph D. Spencer to save a little girl trapped inside a safe. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In the deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Jimmy Valentine gives up on his happy, normal life. He has reopened his criminal past for everyone to see, so he could save a little girl. In “A Retrieved Reformation” a short story written by O’Henry, Jimmy Valentine changes from his criminal past and must not go back to prison because he saves a child’s life. 

ANDRES: Retrieved Reformation

Andres Alvarado

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 4, 2017

Clean Slate

In O. Henry's short story "A Retrieved Reformation" Jimmy Valentine deserves to be free despite his criminal behavior because of his selfless act that saved a child. First, Jimmy Valentine reforms into an honest citizen. "At the end of the year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks" (O. Henry 192). Falling in love and starting a legitimate business makes Jimmy Valentine commit to changing every aspect of his life. Despite his criminal past, Valentine has been reborn. He is now trustworthy and full of integrity. Later, Jimmy Valentine falls in love and leaves his criminal life completely. "She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing in the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully's, for I must see you. I'll bring the tools with me" (O. Henry 193). As a result of being engaged, Jimmy Valentine shifts into a whole different person. He ditches his tools to be with the woman he loves and to be a clean and honest man. Lastly, Jimmy Valentine risks his whole life to save a little girl. "With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away and Jimmy Valentine took his place.... He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell" (O. Henry 195). Seeing the little girl trapped causes Jimmy Valentine to use his illegal skills and open the safe. He lets her out and gives up his whole life just to save a child. Jimmy Valentine, the main character in O. Henry's short story, "A Retrieved Reformation" is now worthy of freedom because of his redemptive actions.

KIMBERLY: MY NAME

Kimberly Torres

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 15, 2017                                   Baby Pink

       In English my name is like the wood of the royal forest. In Spanish my name means baby.it means happy it is like the number 21. A baby pink color goes with my name because as a baby my room was a baby pink color. Kimberly is a calm name like the singing birds “tweet, tweet.” 

      My parents choose the name Kimberly because my dad used to watch this show called Power Rangers, and there was this girl named Kimberly, and he liked it. Also the name Kimberly is the name of a tasty kit-Kat bar. I don’t really like the name Kimberly because thousands of people are named Kimberly. Gemini is my zodiac sign Gemini, is the 3^rd sign of the zodiac. Which means people under this sign love to talk and I love to talk.

         I wouldn’t change my name because Kimberly can be called by many different ways. My friends and parents not just call me Kimberly they call me Kim or Kimmy. Some of my friends call me Kimbo and the reason they call me like that was because at Seneca, my civics teacher, Mr. Bell, asked me what did I wanted to be called, and I said I really didn’t care so he told me my name is going to be Kimbo, so Then my friends heard, and they started to call me like that, Everyone in my civics class had nicknames that the teachers and students would  laugh at.

    I also like the name Kimberly because it sounds like a happy name like if someone is giving a gift to you. It sounds like a summer name like a kitten flying on kites on a sunny afternoon. I am the only person in my family named Kimberly that’s why I would like to keep it.   

JOSEPH: MY NAME

Joseph Nguyen

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 20, 2017

God Shall Add

            In Hebrew, my name means God shall add. In English, it means helpful, nice, kindness. My name is the color of yellow. It is the number 16 for good luck. At home my name means joyful, proud, and calm. In school my name means stressed and mad. At church my name means peaceful, religious, saint, and God. My name sounds like the ocean waves splashing.

            My parents named me Joseph because it was after a saint. My name is as gentle as a fish. My parents chose that name because it was after Saint Joseph, and they hoped I would have the same characteristics as Saint Joseph. My name is so common the more than a billion people have my name. I feel like I’ve become someone more powerful.

            I wouldn’t change my name for anything. I like my name because I was named after a Saint. My name is like an angel flying around helping people. I’ve become a better person because I’ve learned to do things on my own and help out people. I’ve become someone I thought I would never be.

BRETT: MY NAME

Brett Oswald

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 20, 2017

Not a Shadow

            In English, my name means a native of Brittany. At home my name means calming. It is the color blue. The ocean, calming, but full of surprises. My name is the sound of a crashing wave on the sea shore, ‘cashh-shhh’. It is the number 6, it is an even number, but is made of odd numbers, (3+3). I am the only Brett in the whole school.

            I was born on April 8, 2003. In the Chinese Zodiac, I am a sheep. During ancient times, sheep fur was used for blankets to keep warm. Sheep blankets kept people warm during cold, country winter days. I am like a sheep, warm and friendly.

My name is unique; you don’t hear it every day. My name describes me perfectly, I am not a shadow following someone around. I can become what I choose. My name is mine. I am Brett.

ROCELYN: MY NAME

Rocelyn Rodriguez

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 15, 2017

Unusual and uncommon

            In Scottish, my name is from the peninsula, but in Spanish my name comes out mellow. My name is like the number 5. It isn’t perfect, but it is decent. It is not the color purple, but not the color blue either. My name is like the crunching of fall leaves as you step on them.

My mother choose my name. She has always liked uncommon and unusual spelling for names. My mother tells me she decided my name she was watching TV one night and saw the name “Rocelyn” pop up. From that moment forward she admired that name. My mother decided to give me such an unusual name that nobody in the world had.

My name in Spanish comes out as if it was sliding down a slippery slide. Many people can’t spell it right cause there are millions of different spellings for it. My name forces me to be helpful to others. My name is the taste of candy, sweet but sometimes bitter, depending on how you say it. I wouldn’t change my name because it’s my own name. Not very many people have it. I am like the swan in a flock of ugly ducks.

ANDRES: MY NAME

Andres Alvarado

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 20^, 2017

Keeping My Name Alive

            In Spanish, my name means manly and brave. In English, it means proud. It is outgoing and quick to say. It is like the number 2. My name has a bitter sound to it once you say it. It is the color orange, and is like a basketball banging on the basketball court. My name inspires me to be a good person no matter what happens.

            Before I was born, my uncle passed away and his name was Andres. He was a very nice and generous person that everyone loved. When he passed, everyone was very sad, including my parents. My mom and dad decided that they wanted to keep his name alive, and so they chose to name me Andres and wanted me to be a generous and loving person just like my uncle.

            When I was younger I always wanted to change my name to something other than Andres, but that was before my mom told me the real reason she named me Andres. I constantly wanted to change my name to Peter because I loved Spider Man as a kid. I always wanted to be something in life and have a positive impact on people’s lives. Now that I know the real meaning behind my name, I love it and would never change it no matter what. Even though hundreds and thousands of people have my name, they don’t have the same story behind it like I do. 

Katia's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

A Complete Change of Life

           In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation” James Valentine must go free as he has reformed his life. First, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job, and he changed for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes, because he is respectable and must not be punished. Next, Jimmy transforms his life by giving away his tools. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Mr. Spencer shows that he is really improved. He cares about what his fiancée thinks about him. He wants her to be proud of him because she trusts him, so he has decided to completely get reformed, to get the approval of her. He is becoming a new person and will not do any other bad job no matter what. He is going to let go of his precious burglar’s tools that he loved, and that were expensive and unique. He is becoming better and should not have to go to prison. Lastly, James Valentine uses his knowledge for good. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place …he set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Mr. Valentine becomes a truly good man, and his actions are respectable. Jimmy Valentine is back but just for honorable reasons, because he rescues Agatha from the safe. No one else can do anything about the problem, just him, and he did it. Thanks to that she is alive. He is a hero for that child and he shows that he really cares about other person’s life. That is why he should have his liberty. After seeing the evidence, James Valentine must be liberated because he has changed his way of life.

Bryan's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

A Dream of Freedom.

            In O.Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” James Valentine must go free as he has reformed his life. First, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’ Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job, and he change for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes because he is respectable and most not be punished. Next, his love for Annabel made him want to give away his tools. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’ Henry 193). He quits his old life, and he wants to give his tools to a friend. Mr. Ralph D. Spencer better known as Jimmy Valentine deserves a second chance, because he is a good man now, and he has a lovely family that cares about him. Lastly, he used his tools for a good reason. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place… He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’ Henry 195). He used the tools to save the little girl because she was trapped, and in a great danger inside the vault. As he rescued Agatha, Annabel’s niece, he shows his good intentions and bravely. Based on the evidence, Mr. Valentine must be free as he showed a change for the better. 

Celeste's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

Case #1246: Must Jimmy Valentine be Free?

In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” James Valentine must go free as he has reformed his life and behavior. Initially, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year, the situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job and changed for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes, he is respectable and must not be punished. Secondly, James Valentine does not want to possess his burglary tools anymore. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Jimmy Valentine knows that if he wants to change for good, the first thing he must do is to give away his tools. Love has changed Jimmy, and he swears he will not do anything that could hurt his girl. Finally, James is using his talent in a way that he is helping others. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). When Valentine’s fiancée’s niece is in trouble, he does everything to save her, not caring about anything but the little girl’s safety. That proves that Jimmy Valentine has good intentions, and that he should enjoy his freedom. After looking at this evidence, Mr. Valentine must be free and live a normal life, just as every other citizen because there is not proof against him.