'After Twenty Years,' by O.Henry

“After Twenty Years” is a story about two friends, Bob and Jimmy. Bob returns to New York City from the West. When they said goodbye twenty years ago, Bob and Jimmy agreed to meet at Big Joe Brady’s restaurant. Bob is waiting for Jimmy to arrive. Before you listen to the story, it is important that you learn some keywords and phrases. This activity will help you learn their meaning. Match word with the definition. jewel A precious stone (such as a diamond) the West The western part of the United States in the past when it was not as developed and there were many cowboys arm in arm Two people walking next to each other with their arms linked at their elbows under arrest Being taken or held by the police until guilt or innocence is determined wanted People who did something bad and the police are trying to catch them Complete the sentences by filling in the blank with one word or phrase from the previous task. 1. I saw the face of the man wanted by Chicago cops.2. He had a large jewel in his necktie.3. The two men started along the street arm in arm.4. In the West you learn how to fight for what you get.5. You've been under arrest for ten minutes 'After Twenty Years,' by O.Henry Read or listen to the story. 'After Twenty Years,' by O.Henry In the story “After Twenty Years”, Bob returns to New York City to see his best friends, Jimmy, twenty years after he left. Bob is waiting for Jimmy to show up at the exact time and place they agreed on the day Bob left twenty years ago. To understand the story, it is important for you to identify Who the main characters are, What the story is, When, Where, and How the story happens, and Why the story happens the way it does. Select the words or phrases from the box below to answer the questions. 1. How does the story start? Bob comes back to New York Cityfrom the West to meet his good friend, Jimmy. He is waiting for Jimmy to arrive.2. Who are the main characters?1.Bob 2. Jimmy 3. New York cop3. What happened to Bob and Jimmy 20 years ago?Bob left for the West to become a great success. They agreed to meet again after a certain length of time.4. When did Bob and Jimmy agree to meet? They agreed to meet at 10 pmexactly twenty years after the night they said good-bye.5. Where did Bob and Jimmy agree to meet? They agreed to meet at Big Joe Brady’s restaurant where they said goodbye to each other6. Why does Jimmy write a note to Bob at the end of the story? Jimmy knows that Bob is wantedby Chicago cops but Jimmy does not want to arrest Bob himself. What do you like or dislike about the story? Give reasons to support your opinion. If you were a cop and were supposed to arrest your friend for a crime, would you do it? Explain. “After Twenty Years” is a story about two friends, Bob and Jimmy. They go their separate ways but agree to meet again twenty years later. Bob returns to New York City. He is waiting for Jimmy to arrive where the restaurant used to be where they said good-bye to each other.Think of your own situation: Who is your best friend? What would happen if you and your friend go your separate ways? Imagine you meet again in twenty years. What will you both be like? What will you two be doing? What do you think your conversation might be like?