After Twenty Years

Henry uses foreshadowing throughout the story. Find all the moments of foreshadowing and analyze them. What impact does this literary device have on the story?

Most of the story is dialogue. What effect does this choice have on the narrative, and what are some strengths and weaknesses of the story being written with a great deal of dialogue?

Compare and contrast Bob and Jimmy. How are they different and how are they the same? What specific actions and details can you find to support your assertions?

What is a stereotypical Wild West outlaw like, and in what ways does Bob share or challenge those stereotypes?

Analyze Bob’s and Jimmy’s friendship by the end of the short story. Are they still friends after the story ends? What does the story say about loyalty?

The plainclothes detective plays a major role in the story. Apart from his obvious job of arresting Bob, what significance does he have as a character?

Analyze the symbols of the story and how they play a role in the significance of the story. For example, consider the cigar, the jewel, the scar, etc.

Consider the quality of sympathy. With which character(s) does your sympathy lie, and why? What choices does Henry make to create feelings of sympathy for different characters?