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.
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