Why do you think Jimmy decided not to arrest Bob himself? explain the factors that may have contributed to Jimmy’s decision. Be sure to cite specific evidence from the text to support your answer.
Why Jimmy decided not to arrest Bob himself could’ve been for many reasons. Jimmy and Bob were friends 20 years ago, and made some pretty good memories together, such as dining at Big Joe’ Brady’s restaurant. There were many factors present that would have contributed to Jimmy’s decision of not being the one to arrest Bob. Even after 20 years and knowing that Bob is a criminal, Jimmy is still loyal to his friend. Though Bob does not know it at the time, Jimmy does actually show up on time— early, in fact— for their meeting, showing he is every bit as reliable as Bob says he is. Out of loyalty to the memory of their relationship, Jimmy also chooses to not arrest Bob himself. Jimmy recognized Bob when he was a policeman on patrol. When the light lit up Bob’s scar above his eyebrow, Jimmy also recognized Bob as a criminal. Jimmy has ethical values, and knows that though Bob is his old friend, he still has to do what he has to do. He knows that his job is to arrest Bob and knows that that is the honest action. However, as he is loyal to Bob, he found someone else to arrest Bob instead. As stated in his note to Bob, Jimmy didn’t want to break their friendship by arresting Bob and couldn’t bring himself to do it. “Somehow I couldn't do it myself, so I went around and got a plain clothes man to do the job.”
It has been said that this is a story about divided loyalties. comparing the loyalties of the two main characters. How are they alike and different? Be sure to use specific examples from the text to support your claims. Why do you think O. Henry chose the twenty-year rendezvous in New York as the setting?
Jimmy and Bob have different loyalties and are alike and different in many ways. Jimmy is a New York police officer while Bob is the opposite. He is a Chicago criminal “on the run”. Though their occupations contrast, both Jimmy and Bob are loyal to each other and to their friendship. They both remember the promise they made to each other 20 years ago to meet each other again, at the same spot, same time. No one forgot about the 20 year old memory. Both show their royalty by being on time and waiting despite the weather conditions. Jimmy, however, unlike Bob, demonstrates his loyalty to his job as a policeman and ethical values. He is showing that he is loyal to his friend by showing up. However, upon discovering that Bob is a criminal, is honest and arrests him. In some ways, Jimmy changed. Bob thought that Jimmy would be loyal to him no matter what, but Jimmy changed, as he is now loyal to the police force and the law. I think O. Henry chose the 20 year rendezvous in New York as the setting in many ways. The setting, firstly, has symbolic meaning, for the two friends parted their way here, 20 years ago. The description of that part of New York also contributes to the plot of the story in many different ways. The description of the weather conditions and description of the streets of New York at night make it easy for the plot and the “fake Jimmy’s” plan to unfold.
Based on what you know about Bob, write a letter from Bob to Jimmy in response to Jimmy’s note. Explain what Bob might have been thinking on the night he was arrested. Be sure to cite specific evidence from the text in your letter.
Dear Jimmy,
This is Bob, I am writing from the police station. I was able to receive and read the note you left me the day I was arrested. I didn’t realize that that night, you were the policeman on patrol. I am glad that I met you that night for a brief encounter, but am not happy about how things turned out. I realize the mistakes I made in the past 20 years left me in this situation. I regret doing what I did, but I am glad you are doing well and have a stable job. What you did that night was the right decision, after thinking about it for a long time. It was rightful for you to arrest me. It is your job, afterall. That night, while I stood in the rain, I was reminiscing about the time we ate our last meal together. Perhaps I had the tiniest thought of regret of what I have become. When you approached me that night, I didn’t realize that you were there, and was scared that you (the policeman) would arrest me before I got to properly talk to you. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you then. Thinking back to that night, it must’ve been foolish of me to wear diamonds in the dead of the night. You must’ve figured it out quickly that I was a criminal. Let alone a criminal on the run. I bet you noticed my scar too. I want to apologize. I apologize for not being in a better situation. I apologize for not properly meeting you as an innocent person that night. I also must express how touched I was when I realized your reason for not arresting me yourself. I am grateful to have a loyal friend like you.
Your friend (hopefully)
Bob
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