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Jimmy Valentine’ by O. Henry- key questions and answers
Jimmy Valentine Short Story: A Transformative Tale
Word-Meaning:
assiduously – with great attention
escorted – accompanied
alibi – an excuse
virtuous – holy
boarded – got into
eminent – famous
genially – friendly
scarce – rare
crater-hole
Character Analysis: Jimmy Valentine and His Transformation
Jimmy Valentine is a resourceful and charming burglar who transforms into a responsible and compassionate man due to his love for Annabel. He is clever and tactical, capable of fitting in with high society. Although his past is filled with crime, Jimmy is not inherently evil. He redeems himself by saving a child and starts a new life, leaving his criminal past behind.
Moral Lessons from Jimmy Valentine
The story imparts a powerful moral: the transformative power of love and how it can change anyone. Jimmy’s redemption proves that even someone with a troubled past can turn their life around when motivated by love.
Key Questions and Answers from the Story
Who was the owner of Elmore Bank?
Answer: Mr. Adams was the owner of The Elmore Bank.
Who approved Jimmy’s pardon?
Answer: The Governor approved Jimmy’s pardon.
How much did the kit of tools cost Jimmy?
Answer: The kit of tools cost Jimmy over nine hundred dollars.
Who was Mr. Adams?
Answer: Mr. Adams was the owner of Elmore Bank and would be the father-in-law of Jimmy Valentine.
Where was Elmore?
Answer: Elmore was a small town in Arkansas.
Who was Mike Dolan?
Answer: Mike Dolan was one of Jimmy’s friends and a café owner.
What business did Jimmy start in Elmore?
Answer: Jimmy started a shoe business in Elmore.
Who was Ralph D. Spencer?
Answer: Ralph D. Spencer was none other than Jimmy Valentine himself.
Who locked Agatha inside the vault?
Answer: May locked Agatha inside the vault.
What was the name of Jimmy’s old pal in Little Rock?
Answer: The name of Jimmy’s old pal in Little Rock was Billy.
In which hotel did Jimmy engage a room in Elmore?
Answer: Jimmy engaged a room in Planter’s Hotel.
Whom did Jimmy rescue from the vault?
Answer: Jimmy rescued Agatha from the vault.
What was the profession of Annabel’s father?
Answer: Annabel’s father was a banker.
Long Answer Type Questions
“That child—can’t stand it long in there.” Who is referred to here? Why was she in danger? How was she saved?
Answer: The child referred to here is Agatha, Miss Annabel’s younger sister’s daughter. She was locked in the new vault by May, who had been playing around. Due to the vault’s combination not being set and the clock not being wound, Agatha was in danger of suffocating. Jimmy, who was present with his burglary tools, quickly used his expertise to drill open the vault, breaking his own record and rescuing Agatha.
Describe the character of Jimmy Valentine.
Answer: Jimmy Valentine is a young, smart, and well-dressed man with a criminal past as a notorious burglar. He is highly clever and tactful, but at his core, he is a good person. His love for Annabel Adams transforms him into a reformed man. He sacrifices his love to save a child and starts a new life, leaving behind his criminal career. Jimmy’s actions highlight his philanthropic nature and his capacity for change.
Ben Price investigated the scene of the robberies and was heard to remark… Who was Ben Price? What did he say? What did he know of Jimmy’s habits?
Answer: Ben Price was a sharp and efficient detective who had previously arrested Jimmy. Upon investigating the scene of the robbery, he remarked that it was Jimmy Valentine’s work. He noted that Jimmy was capable of making quick getaways and had a habit of working alone. Price was familiar with Jimmy’s criminal style and knew that Jimmy always managed to dodge retribution.
What brought a great change in Jimmy’s life in Elmore and how?
Answer: Jimmy’s life underwent a profound change after he met Annabel Adams in Elmore. Upon seeing her, he instantly fell in love. He decided to leave behind his life of crime and start fresh, assuming the identity of Ralph D. Spencer. As a businessman, he became successful and won Annabel’s heart. His transformation was complete when he chose to give up his criminal past, signaling the power of love in changing his destiny.
Describe the character of Jimmy Valentine.
Answer: Jimmy Valentine is a young, smart, and well-dressed man with a criminal past as a notorious burglar. He is highly clever and tactful, but at his core, he is a good person. His love for Annabel Adams transforms him into a reformed man. He sacrifices his love to save a child and starts a new life, leaving behind his criminal career. Jimmy’s actions highlight his philanthropic nature and his capacity for change.
Textual Grammar
- You are not a bad fellow at heart. Stop cracking safes and live straight.(Change into a complex sentence):
Although you are not a bad fellow at heart, you should stop cracking safes and live straight.
They had overpowered Jimmy to arrest him.(Change the voice):
Jimmy had been overpowered to be arrested by them.
I never cracked a safe in my life.(Omit never):
I cracked a safe in my life.
There won’t be so much danger of having old scores brought up against me.(Change into an affirmative sentence):
There will be less danger of having old scores brought up against me.
Ben Price knew Jimmy’s habit.(Make it negative):
Ben Price did not know Jimmy’s habit.
Exercise
A. Complete the sentences by choosing the correct answer from the alternatives given:
After Jimmy was released from jail, Jimmy committed a burglary at:
a) Logansport
b) Jefferson City
c) Richmond
d) Springfield
Jimmy decided to buy his wedding suit from:
a) Elmore
b) Richmond Abbey
c) Little Rock
d) Springfield
The number of Jimmy in jail was:
a) 9672
b) 9276
c) 9762
d) 9726
After marriage, Jimmy wanted to go:
a) North
b) South
c) East
d) West
Jimmy wrote a letter to:
a) Billy
b) Warden
c) Ben Price
d) Mr. Adams
