In O. Henry's story "A Retrieved Reformation," the conflict that Ben Price, the lawman, must resolve is that although Jimmy is guilty, he is no longer a criminal. Ben Price recognizes that Jimmy Valentine has reformed and is living a new, honest life, but he still grapples with the fact that Jimmy has a past of criminal behavior. Ben ultimately chooses to let Jimmy go in a moment of understanding and compassion, highlighting the theme of redemption.
What conflict must Ben Price, the law man who knows Jimmy Valentine well, resolve in O. Henry's story "A Retrieved Reformation"?
Although Jimmy is guilty, he is supposed to be getting married.
Jimmy is guilty, but Ben Price likes him too much to arrest him.
Although Jimmy is guilty, he is no longer a criminal.
Jimmy is not guilty of the crimes, but Ben Price must arrest him anyway.
1 answer