1. What advice does the warden give Jimmy
just before Jimmy is released from prison? How does Jimmy respond to the
warden?
2. What happens to Jimmy in front of the
Elmore Bank?
3. Do you think Jimmy has a good chance of
changing his life immediately after his release from prison? Why, or why not?
What would make it easier for Jimmy to get an honest start?
4. What reasons does Jimmy give for his new
and honest life in the letter he writes to Billy. Do the reasons seem genuine?
Explain.
5. Identify what you think is the main or
central conflict in "A Retrieved Reformation." Is the main conflict
between Jimmy and the prison system? Jimmy's new life and his past life? Jimmy
and Ben Price? Explain.
6. Based on your analysis of the central
conflict in the story, what is the point in which that conflict gets resolved?
In other words, what finally ends the conflict? Is it when Jimmy falls in love?
When Jimmy writes the letter to Billy? When Ben Price pretends not to recognize
Jimmy? Why does this event resolve the conflict?
7. What do you think Jimmy's relationship
with Annabel offers him that he didn't have before? If Jimmy hadn't met
Annabel, how else do you think he could have found the qualities that would
make him want to live an honest life? Do you think he would have found them had
he not met Annabel? Explain.
