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Dramatic Irony
Key Examples in A Retrieved Reformation
Foil
Explanation and Analysis—Ben Price:
In “A Retrieved Reformation,” Detective Price acts as a foil to Jimmy, meaning that the juxtaposition of the two men reveals important information about Jimmy’s character. At first glance, Price and Jimmy are opposites—Price is a police officer with a very strong moral compass and commitment to following the rules of society, while Jimmy is a criminal who feels comfortable stealing from others, covering up for other criminals, and benefitting from political corruption (as seen in the governor shortening his sentence).
The following passage—a rare look at Price’s perspective—captures the differences between the two men:
Ben Price knew Jimmy’s habits. He had learned them while working up the Springfield case. Long jumps, quick get-aways, no confederates, and a taste for good society—these ways had helped Mr. Valentine to become noted as a successful dodger of retribution. It was given out that Ben Price had taken up the trail of the elusive cracksman, and other people with burglar-proof safes felt more at ease.
Related Themes:
