A Retrieved Reformation
By O. Henry
Before Reading: Connect to Your Life
 In your LNb, make a list of characters in stories, books, or
movies, or of people you know, who have changed– for
better or worse. Try to name at least 3.
 How do you explain the reasons for the change in each of
these characters? (write a short phrase for each person)
 What do you think some of the most powerful motives for
change are? (2-3 sentences)
Before reading: Review Irony
Irony:
A device that writers sometimes
use to add a special twist to their
work.
There are three types of irony.
Before Reading: Review Irony
 Verbal Irony:
 Saying the opposite of what you really mean.
 Usually sounds like SARCASM
 Dramatic Irony:
 The reader knows something that the character
does not know.
 Situational Irony:
 An unexpected turn of events, usually when
things turn out to be the opposite of what the
characters expected.
Before Reading: Review Irony
Before Reading: Understand
Vocabulary
 Look up the meanings of these words in a dictionary and
record in your LNB. Split the list with your partner.
assiduously
compulsory
eminent
rehabilitation
unobtrusively
balk
elusive
perceived
retribution
virtuous
During Reading: Find examples of
Irony
 While we read the story, keep your LNb handy and
record examples of irony. A chart like the one below
might be useful:
Example from Story
(include pg. #)
Type of Irony
(Verbal, Dramatic,
Situational.
After Reading: Understanding Plot
Structure
 Plot: the sequence of related events that make up a story
 Rising action: events that lead up to the climax, or moment
of greatest intensity (turning point)
 Falling action: events after the climax; part of the resolution.
 Complete the Plot Graphic organizer worksheet with a
partner.
 The climax should be in the second row, but should not be
the last box.
After Reading: Comparing Text to
Film
 Imagine the characters from the story in your mind.
 What did they look like ? What kinds of clothes did they
wear?
 Make a chart like the one below and briefly describe the
features of the main characters.
Jimmy
Age
Hair color/style
Height/Weight
Clothing Style
Annabel
Ben
After Reading: Comparing Text to
Film
 What were your impressions of the setting?
 How do you feel about the change in the title from the
story to the film? Explain your answer.
 Describe any differences you noticed between the plot
in the story and the plot in the film.
 Why do you think the ending of the film is different from
the ending of the story? How do you feel about that?
After Reading: Comparing Text to
Film
 Project: Create a Video Jacket (cover for the DVD
version of the film)
 It should include the following:
 A summary of the movie (without giving away the
ending). This is usually on the back.
 Quotes from “reviews”
 A picture
 It should interest people in renting the video without giving
away the ending.