Plot Elements
In which section of the plot does this event occur?
"About twenty minutes he waited, and then a tall man in a long overcoat, with collar turned up to his ears, hurried across from the opposite side of the street."
Rising Action
In which section of the plot does this event occur?
"The policeman on the beat moved up the avenue impressively."
Exposition
What is Bob's first hint that the tall man is not Jimmy? (Find a direct quote)
"I never thought you were so tall by two or three inches".
What does the following excerpt show about Jimmy?
"Trying doors as he went, twirling his club with many intricate and artful movements, turning now and then to cast his watchful eye down the pacific thoroughfare, the officer, with his stalwart form and slight swagger, made a fine picture of a guardian of the peace."
Jimmy is confident and looks like a good police officer. He is comfortable with his job and has experience doing it.
Find text evidence to support the following claim:
Jimmy realized that Bob was a criminal when Bob lit a match.
"When you struck the match to light your cigar I saw it was the face of a man wanted in Chicago."
What is the inciting incident of the story (What sets the story in motion)?
Twenty years ago, Bob and Jimmy promised to meet up in this spot, no matter what.
What specific event(s) prevented Jimmy from identifying himself to Bob?
Bob spoke up quickly, then lit a match that revealed his face to Jimmy.
Identify the two physical items that hint that Bob may be a criminal.
"His scarfpin was a large diamond, oddly set."
"...a handsome watch, the lids of it set with small diamonds."
Jimmy is reliable, trustworthy, and a good friend. He wanted a simple or normal life, but he cares about his friendship with Bob and will show up no matter what.
Find evidence to support the following claim:
Bob was hurt and surprised by the note from Jimmy.
"His hand was steady when he began to read, but it trembled a little by the time he had finished."
In which section of the plot does this event occur?
"The waiting man pulled out a handsome watch, the lids of it set with small diamonds."
Rising Action
In which section of the plot does this event occur?
"You've been under arrest for ten minutes, 'Silky' Bob. Chicago thinks you may have dropped over our way and wires us she wants to have a chat with you."
Falling action
What does the tall man say that suggests that he is actually a police officer? (Find a direct quote)
"I have a position in one of the city departments."
What does the following excerpt show about Bob?
"I came a thousand miles to stand in this door tonight, and it's worth it if my old partner turns up."
Bob values his friendship with Jimmy very much. He has been looking forward to this meeting.
Find evidence to support the following claim:
Jimmy felt guilty about turning Bob in.
"Somehow I couldn't do it myself, so I went around and got a plainclothes man to do the job."
Summarize the events that occur in the rising action.
Jimmy walks up to Bob; they discuss why Bob is waiting; Jimmy leaves; the tall man shows up and introduces himself as Jimmy; Bob and fake Jimmy start talking & walking down the street
What is the resolution of the story?
Bob reads the note and learns that Jimmy was the first police officer. Bob is arrested.
What does Bob say about the West that suggests that he was involved in criminal activity? (Find a direct quote)
"I've had to compete with some of the sharpest wits going to get my pile. A man gets in a groove in New York. It takes the West to put a razor-edge on him".
OR
"The West is a pretty big proposition, and I kept hustling around over it pretty lively."
What life choices do young Bob and Jimmy make that show their character?
Bob chooses to go out West to get rich; Jimmy chooses to stay in New York.
Find evidence to support the following claim:
Bob's success made him think very highly of himself.
"The man from the West, his egotism enlarged by success, was beginning to outline the history of his career."
"I've had to compete with some of the sharpest wits going to get my pile... It takes the West to put a razor-sharp edge on him."
What is the climax of the story?
Bob realizes that the tall man is not actually Jimmy.
Describe the setting of the story in as much detail as possible.
1920s New York City, 10 pm, empty street, dark, windy, & rainy
Identify one piece of foreshadowing that suggests that the first cop was actually Jimmy.
The police officer was at the correct place at exactly 10 pm, just like Bob and Jimmy had agreed.
Come up with three character traits each to describe Bob and Jimmy.
Best answer wins!
In your own words, provide evidence to support the following claim:
A theme of this story is that you should always do the right thing, even when it's difficult.
Jimmy showed up on time to meet up with Bob and was probably just as excited as Bob was. However, when he saw Bob's face, he realized he was a criminal. Jimmy chose to do his job and uphold the law, even though it was hard to turn in his friend.