Loyalty
Everyone may at least once get stuck between being loyal to their friend or carrying out their duties. In O. Henry’s “After Twenty Years,” Jimmy Wells chooses to be loyal to his work rather than be loyal to his friend, Bob. Jimmy Wells and his friend, Bob, had a promise twenty years ago that they would meet up again in twenty years at the restaurant they ate together. Twenty years later, Jimmy recognizes Bob as a criminal wanted by the Chicago police . Jimmy has another cop arrest Bob out of respect for their friendship. Based on his words, actions, and thoughts, Jimmy comes across as responsible, compassionate, and astute.
Based on his actions as a police officer, Jimmy Wells comes across as responsible. Jimmy is responsible since he does everything so carefully and tries to be watchful. For example, as he is carrying out his duties as an officer, “Now and then he turn[s] and look[s] up and down the street.” Because of his commitment to his duties, “He stop[s] at doors as he walk[s] along, trying each door to be sure that it [is] closed for the night.” His actions clearly show that he is a responsible police officer as he acts diligently to ensure everyone is safe. He is very aware of what he has to do, and this proves that he is very responsible.
Based on his words as a friend, Jimmy comes across as compassionate. Jimmy is compassionate since he has empathy for others. For example, after recognizing Bob, he writes a note saying, “I didn’t want to arrest you myself. So I went and got another cop and sent him to do the job.” The quote shows that he still has empathy for his friend, despite the fact that he is a wanted criminal. Jimmy cannot arrest Bob himself, so he gets another cop to do it. His action may not completely destroy their friendship, nor will it get him fired from his job. He still has empathy for his friend and that shows that he is compassionate.
Based on Jimmy Wells’s words, he is astute and a fast thinker. Towards the end of the story, Jimmy says, “I saw the face of the man wanted by Chicago cops,” which means he knows that Bob is a wanted criminal but he acts naturally and makes up a plan quickly. The quote proves that he is very wise and thinks on his feet. When he sees that his old friend is a wanted criminal, he does not react rashly; instead, he makes up a plan in the short conversation they have for a minute. He can think on his feet and this proves that he is astute.
Based on Jimmy’s words, actions, and thoughts, Jimmy comes across as responsible, compassionate, and astute. He does what is proper as a police officer but makes sure that he does not hurt his friend. He can also think on his feet which allow him to solve problems really easily. As long as people have good character traits, they can handle difficult situations really easily.