Question

In Lesson 3, you read "After Twenty Years," also by O. Henry. Take a few minutes to review the story and then answer the question that follows. When you answer the question, be sure to answer it in the following format (APE):

A: Answer the question directly
P: Prove your answer with a quote from EACH passage
E: Explain how the proof (quotes) support your answer
Using the acts of the policeman as your evidence, how are the themes different in the stories?

Answer 1

Answer: The themes are different because in "After Twenty Years," the theme is that crime does not pay off and choosing duty over friendship. In "A Retrieved Reformation," the theme is that you can change your ways and let go of your past crimes, it also shows Ben Price not following his duties of a police officer and letting Jimmy go. At the end of "A retrieved Reformation," it says "And then Ben price acted rather strangely. 'Guess you're mistaken, Mr. Spencer,' he said. 'Don't believe I recognize you. Your buggy's waiting for you, ain't it?' And Ben Price turned and strolled down the street." This proves the theme because it shows that Ben Price has forgiven Jimmy because he has turned into a good man. It also shows that Ben Price is not following his duties as a police officer by letting Jimmy go. In "After Twenty Years," it says "'You're not Jimmy Wells,' he snapped. 'Twenty years is a long time, but not long enough to change a man's nose from a Roman to a pug.' 'It sometimes changes a good man into a bad one,' said the tall man. You've been under arrest for ten minutes, 'Silky" Bob. This proves the theme because Jimmy Wells has followed his duty as a police officer and given Bob away. It also shows that crimes do not pay off, and you will get caught eventually if you commit a crime.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

The themes are different because on the one hand we have friendship and loyalty and on the other guilt..."Twenty years ago we agreed to meet here tonight.It sounds strange.."The officer heard the man.He knew it was his friend.The word strange has many meanings.It is nost usual to have such a long time separation from a true friend.It is not an everyday thing to be in front of a dear friend who is so different physicaly as well as in personality.He remembered that conversation they had about meeting again.He saw his friend was wealthy, had expensive jewelry on him but he was a criminal.He had a conversation with him though."A long time between meetings..Have you heard from your friend..?The cop remained in his place guarding the peace.He was aware of the fact that Bob was a criminal , but he could not do his job, he was still a friend to the person who twenty years ago had made a promise to meet again.And that person was not a criminal.Considering that , he felt guilty of doing his job and could not arrest him.