Why does O. Henry begin this story with a description of a police officer:

“After Twenty Years” story  by O” Henry These questions will prepare you for next week’s final exam on this story. (The written portion of the final exam will consist of 3 questions, each of which will need to be answered in a paragraph.) DON’T USE ONLINE SOURCES TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. USE YOUR OWN IDEAS.

1. What is the story’s setting? (Include place, city, and time in history)
2. Why does O. Henry begin this story with a description of a police officer: “The cop moved along the street, looking strong and important. This was the way he always moved.”
3. What was your impression of Bob at the end of page 60? How did your impression change at the end of page 61?
4. What lesson do you think O. Henry is trying to express here?
5. If you had to name one character as the protagonist and one character as the antagonist, who would they be? Explain your answer.
6. At the end of the story, what is Bob’s problem and how would you suggest he solves it?

Solution

1. The story’s setting is in a city, at night, in the present time.
2. O. Henry begins the story with a description of a police officer to establish the setting and to introduce the character of the cop, who plays a minor role in the story. The description of the cop also sets the tone of the story, as the cop is described as strong and important, suggesting that the …Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
3. At the end of page 60, my impression of Bob is that he is a loyal and dependable friend, as he has kept his promise to meet his old friend Jimmy Wells after 20 years. However, at the end of page 61, my impression of Bob …Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
4. The lesson that O. Henry may be trying to express in the story is the importance of honesty and the consequences of leading a dishonest or criminal life. The story also touches on the theme…Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here