What is the story’s setting? (Include place, city, and time in history)

“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 New York City, 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 theme of appearances and the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings. The police officer appears strong and important, but he is actually just moving through the streets on patrol.
3. At the end of page 60, my impression of Bob is that he is a good-hearted man who is trying to do the right thing by fulfilling his promise to meet his old friend, Jimmy Wells. However, at the end of page 61, my …Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here
4. I think O. Henry is trying to express the lesson that appearances can be deceiving and that it is important to not judge someone based on their appearance or their past actions.
5. If I had to name one character as the protagonist and one character as the antagonist, I would name Bob as the…Order a customized and more comprehensive answer here