A Retrieved Reformation

“Valentine, 9762, was chronicled on the books ‘Pardoned by the Governor,’ and Mr. James Valentine walked out into the sunshine.”

This quote references the first of Jimmy’s shifts in identity, as he goes from just a number in prison to his full name with his dignity and standing restored. As the story progresses, he will leave both these selves behind to become Ralph D. Spencer, a good upstanding citizen of Elmore. Jimmy’s adoption of new personas develops the theme of Identity and Transformation. Jimmy’s pardon from the governor also indicates the powerful connections that have helped him escape justice for his crimes.

“There on the floor was still Ben Price’s collar button that had been torn from that eminent detective’s shirt-band when they had overpowered Jimmy to arrest him.”

This quote introduces Jimmy’s foil, Ben Price, and provides context about Jimmy’s arrest and prison time. Jimmy put up a struggle during his arrest and had to be “overpowered,” presumably by Price himself. Price’s collar button is a symbol of his determination to track Jimmy down and make him pay the full price for his crimes. That the collar button remains in Jimmy’s room foreshadows Price’s role in future events.

“Pulling out from the wall a folding-bed, Jimmy slid back a panel in the wall and dragged out a dust-covered suitcase. He opened this and gazed fondly at the finest set of burglar’s tools in the East.”

Jimmy’s expensive, custom-made safecracking tools play a pivotal role in the story’s plotline, and here they are introduced, along with the suitcase that reappears at several points to remind readers of Jimmy’s criminal leanings as well as his eventual transformation. Jimmy’s tools are symbolic of his identity, and these tools contribute to Jimmy’s singular, easily recognizable style of safecracking. Jimmy’s later decision to give them up testifies to his commitment to “live straight” with Annabel.

“That’s Dandy Jim Valentine’s autograph.”

When Price investigates the string of bank robberies, he quickly recognizes Jimmy’s signature style. This nickname points out an important aspect of Jimmy’s identity: his jaunty pride in both his good looks and his safecracking skills. Even though his criminal signature is recognizable, Jimmy’s charm and connections in high places have allowed him to evade real consequences for his exploits. The word “autograph” hints at Jimmy’s celebrity, which develops the theme of Professionalism and Work Ethic.

“Yes, I guess I want Mr. Valentine. He’ll do his bit next time without any short-time or clemency foolishness.”

Price is “by the book,” and his characterization develops the theme of Professionalism and Work Ethic. He wraps up his rundown of Jimmy’s modus operandi with a determination to make Jimmy pay for his crimes. A dedicated policeman, Price resents Jimmy’s ability to pull strings and call on prominent people, including the governor, to avoid the prison sentence he deserves.

“Jimmy looked into her eyes, forgot what he was, and became another man.”

Love is a key motif that develops the theme of Identity and Transformation. When Jimmy sees Annabel Adams for the first time, his life is forever changed. His attraction to her erases his identity as Jimmy and allows him to become honest businessman Ralph D. Spencer. For love of Annabel, “Jimmy Valentine” is dead, and Jimmy means to keep it that way, until the crisis at the bank forces him to remember who and what he once was.

“Mr. Ralph Spencer, the phoenix that arose from Jimmy Valentine’s ashes—ashes left by the flame of a sudden and alterative attack of love—remained in Elmore, and prospered.”

A phoenix is a mythical bird that was consumed by fire but rose anew from the ashes. In this metaphor, O. Henry emphasizes that Jimmy Valentine truly has become “another man,” thanks to his love for Annabel. The dapper criminal Jimmy Valentine is now nothing more than ashes, never to return, so Jimmy believes.

“It’s the only life, Billy—the straight one. I wouldn’t touch another man’s money now for a million.”

This and other statements from Jimmy’s letter to his old friend Billy emphasize Jimmy’s embrace of his new, legitimate identity and his determination to make it work. Jimmy’s determination underscores the significance of his decision to sacrifice his new life to save Agatha, and his letter thematically highlights Identity and Transformation.

“‘Going to marry the banker’s daughter, are you, Jimmy?’ said Ben to himself, softly. ‘Well, I don’t know.’”

As Price watches Jimmy in Elmore, this sardonic observation reveals how much Ben has learned about Jimmy in his discreet questioning of the townspeople. At this point, Price is determined to arrest Jimmy and thwart his plans to marry Annabel and continue life as Ralph D. Spencer. Price is characterized by his ethics and morality, so it is ironic that he does allow Jimmy the bank robber to marry a banker’s daughter.

“‘Annabel,’ he said, ‘give me that rose you are wearing, will you?’”

Although it is only mentioned once, the rose pinned to Annabel’s dress is an important symbol of love and the relationship between her and Jimmy. When Jimmy decides to become his old self again, he knows he may be sacrificing that relationship. He asks for the rose, which he puts in his pocket as a memento of his time with her and for inspiration as he works to free Agatha from the vault.

“With that act, Ralph D. Spencer passed away and Jimmy Valentine took his place.”

The relationship between Jimmy and his persona Ralph D. Spencer develops the theme of Identity and Transformation. The connection between Jimmy’s two identities is characterized by language suggesting permanence and, in this quote, even death. Jimmy believes that there is no going back to his life as Ralph Spencer once he reveals his identity by publicly displaying his criminal skills.

“As he went, he thought he heard a far-away voice that he once knew call ‘Ralph!’ But he never hesitated.”

As Jimmy walks toward the bank door, he knows he is leaving behind his identity as Ralph D. Spencer and his future with Annabel. In describing Annabel’s voice as “far away” and one that he “once knew,” the narrator emphasizes Jimmy’s self-sacrificing, redemptive character arc.

“Well, let’s go. I don’t know that it makes much difference, now.”

Jimmy’s words to Price at the bank signal his resignation. He has been expecting Price to catch up to him eventually. He knows that in revealing his old criminal self, his carefully constructed life in Elmore has collapsed. He sees no point in resisting arrest this time because it won’t cause any more damage than what has already been done. Jimmy’s willingness to accept responsibility for his actions underscores the theme of Identity and Transformation.