How Does Jimmy Valentine Change

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People change people. The same way that leaves change with the seasons. Jimmy Valentine, from the story A Retrieved Reformation, by O.Henry, was a thief living in America in the 1900’s. Jimmy Valentine was the best thief in the country, he seemingly throws it all away for Annabel Adams, the daughter of a banker in Arkansas. Annabel morfs Jimmy Valentin to turn into a new person, related to how the weather forces the leaves to change. Because Jimmy Valentine was willing to give away his burglary tools, he did not steal for a year, and Jimmy started over in his life, Jimmy was a changed man. Jimmy Valentine was ready and willing to give away his one-thousand dollar set of burglary tools. “And, also, I want to make you a present of my kit of tools. I know you’ll be glad to get them. You couldn’t duplicate them for a thousand dollars.” (O.Henry, Page 4) Giving up his tools was a big step for Jimmy especially, because Jimmy discusses about how much these tools mean to him at the beginning of the story. Jimmy had always cherished his tools, so much so that he would not let the bell by carry them.These tools were very important to his past profession, so he had to keep them with him at all times. Jimmy may have also given his tools away so that he would not be tempted to steal. Jimmy …show more content…

Jimmy started from scratch in Elmore; he even changed his name to Ralph D. Spencer. Starting over was difficult, however, Jimmy did it so that he could be with Annabel“I’ve quit the business-- a year ago. I’ve got a nice store. I’m making an honest living.”(O.Henry, Page 4) Jimmy had most likely never made an honest living before living in Elmore, so having his own store proves how committed he was. Jimmy even earned the favor of everyone in town. Not only did Jimmy win the heart of Annabel Adams, naturally he also won the hearts of everyone in Elmore. Jimmy built a new honest life in Elmore; where he proved how much he wanted to live with

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