View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Before Jimmy leaves Bob, what question does he ask him?

2. On page 621, how does the plainclothes officer refer to his meeting with Bob?

3. What hope does Bob express about Jimmy?

4. What detail reveals Bob's emotions when he discovers that Jimmy has betrayed him?

5. What causes Bob to realize that the plainclothes officer is not Jimmy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is amusing about the plainclothes officer's answer to Bob's question about whether he is doing well in New York?

2. Describe the story's opening moments, including its setting.

3. What surprises Bob about the appearance of the man that he thinks is his old friend, and how does the man explain away Bob's doubts?

4. What causes Bob to finally realize that the plainclothes officer is not Jimmy Wells?

5. How is Bob characterized by the accessories that he carries?

6. How does the introduction of Bob's character contrast with the introduction of Jimmy's character?

7. What does the note from Jimmy explain to Bob?

8. Why does Jimmy, in his role as the police officer, ask Bob if he is going to keep waiting for his friend to show up?

9. What is appropriate about the plainclothes officer greeting Bob with the line "It's Bob, sure as fate" (621)?

10. What were the circumstances of the agreement Jimmy and Bob made 20 years ago?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that uses psychological research to defend a thesis about environment and morality. Be sure to cite your sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 2

O. Henry clearly admired New York City police officers. His stories hold them up as examples of humble servants of the public good. Research "Tammany Hall" and then write an essay comparing O. Henry's police officers with the historical reality. Cite all sources in MLA format.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that explores the significance of Jimmy's note at the end of "After Twenty Years." How does it advance the plot? How does it add entertainment value to the story? Is it congruous with the earlier characterization of Jimmy? How does it impact theme? Support your ideas with evidence from the text, including quoted evidence from the letter itself.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,088 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample