After Twenty Years -Samacheer Kalvi 11th English Supplementary Chapter 1

Chapter 1 After Twenty Years

''After Twenty Years'' by O. Henry
O. Henry's short story ''After Twenty Years'' was published in 1906 in the story anthology The Four Million. The author, whose real name was William Sydney Porter, was a prolific and very popular writer during his lifetime. At one point, he was writing a story a week for newspapers, while writing stories for magazines at the same time.

O. Henry's colorful life helped inform his writing. He was initially trained as a pharmacist in Texas but was later accused of embezzling money at the bank where he then worked. He fled to Honduras to avoid prison but returned to the U.S. when his wife became seriously ill. He turned himself into authorities and spent three years in prison where he began to write stories. After his release, he moved to New York and made a living by writing short stories. He died at the age of 47.

The story ''After Twenty Years'' was written in New York City and has a trick ending, which means that the ending is unexpected. These endings are a hallmark of O'Henry's work.
''After Twenty Years'' Summary
A police officer is on the beat late one night in New York City. He notices a man (whom we later find out is named "Silky" Bob) standing in a dark doorway. The officer approaches him, and "Silky" Bob explains that he is waiting for his friend, Jimmy Wells. Twenty years ago, the two men had agreed to meet on this date at a restaurant right where Bob is waiting. Bob explains that he and Jimmy Wells grew up together like brothers in the city and that Jimmy was one of the most loyal and solid friends you could wish for. He further explains that he went out West and made a big success of himself. In the course of the conversation, Bob lights a cigar, and his face is visible. After a little more conversation, the officer wishes Bob well and leaves him.

After around twenty minutes have passed, a man in an overcoat walks towards Bob and asks him if he is Bob. Bob becomes very excited and asks if this man is Jimmy Wells. The new man allows Bob to think he is Jimmy Wells, and suggests that they go to a restaurant to catch up since the one that they had agreed to meet at is gone. During the walk, Bob talks about all he has achieved in the twenty years since they last met. When they pass by a brightly-lit drug store, Bob suddenly looks closely at the man in the overcoat and realizes that this isn't Jimmy Wells at all. The man tells Bob that authorities in Chicago had alerted them that Bob might be in New York and that Bob is now under arrest. He gives Bob a note from Jimmy Wells, who was the police officer. In the note, Wells explains that he came to meet Bob, but recognized him as a criminal wanted in Chicago. He also says that he couldn't bring himself to arrest his old friend so he got someone else to do it.

Characters in ''After Twenty Years''
There are three characters in ''After Twenty Years.'' They are "Silky" Bob, Jimmy Wells, and the arresting officer.

"Silky" Bob grew up in New York City, moved West to make his fortune, and has now returned to meet his old friend. He gives the impression that he is very successful and pleased with himself, but never actually says what his line of business is.
Jimmy Wells also grew up in New York City, but he never left. He is a police officer. "Silky" Bob describes the Jimmy Wells of twenty years ago as a man who would never leave the city, and who was the most loyal friend but a little dull.
The arresting officer is never given a name. However, he is the character who engages "Silky" Bob in a lengthy conversation, tells him he is under arrest and gives him the note from Jimmy Wells.
''After Twenty Years'' by O. Henry Analysis
''After Twenty Years'' is a story about loyalty and friendship, arrogance and self-absorption, and trust.




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