In O. Henry's story "After Twenty Years," a policeman patrols a quiet street on a chilly night. He encounters a man named Bob waiting in the doorway of a hardware store. Bob explains he is waiting for his old friend Jimmy Wells, with whom he made a promise to meet exactly twenty years after their last dinner together at "Big Joe" Brady's restaurant.
As they talk, Bob shares that he has done well in the West, while Jimmy, he believes, would still be in New York. The policeman, intrigued, wishes Bob luck and continues his patrol. After twenty minutes, a tall man approaches, and Bob eagerly thinks he is Jimmy. However, as they talk, Bob realizes this man is not his friend, but a police officer who has come to arrest him.
The officer reveals that he is actually Jimmy Wells and has been watching Bob. He shows Bob a note he wrote, explaining that he recognized Bob’s face when he struck a match. Although Bob was his old friend, Jimmy could not bring himself to arrest him directly. Instead, he got another officer to take him in.
The story illustrates themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of time on relationships. It highlights the tension between personal loyalty and moral duty, showcasing how circumstances can change people profoundly over the years.
Thinking about professional skills:
1. What do you understand by the word professionalism?
Ans: Professionalism means behaving well and being responsible in a job. It includes being reliable, respectful, and skilled. It’s about doing your best and treating others right.
2. Whom would you call professionals? Give at least five examples.
Ans: Professionals are individuals with specialized skills or knowledge in a particular field. Examples include:
1. Doctors
2. Teachers
3. Engineers
4. Lawyers
5. Accountants
3. Whom would you classify as being non-professionals? Give at least five examples.
Ans: Non-professionals are individuals who may not have specialized training or certification in a specific field. Examples include:
1. Retail workers
2. Waitstaff
3. Janitors
4. Delivery drivers
5. Construction laborers
4. Why do some professionals behave unprofessionally sometimes?
Ans: Some professionals act unprofessionally because of stress or burnout. Personal problems and a bad work environment can also play a role. Sometimes they just forget their responsibilities or values.
