A Retrieved Reformation

“‘Now Valentine,’ said the warden, […] ‘Brace up, and make a man of yourself. You’re not a bad fellow at heart.’”

The warden’s advice comes as Jimmy Valentine has just been pardoned by the governor, thanks to some intervention from his friends on the outside. The warden’s words foreshadow the story’s ending, in which Jimmy demonstrates he’s “not a bad fellow” by using his safecracking skills to free little Agatha from the bank vault.

“Valentine, 9762, was chronicled on the books ‘Pardoned by the Governor,’ and Mr. James Valentine walked out into the sunshine.”

This quote references the first of Jimmy’s shifts in identity, as he goes from just a number in prison to his full name with his dignity and standing restored. As the story progresses, he will leave both these selves behind to become Ralph D. Spencer, a good upstanding citizen of Elmore. Jimmy’s adoption of new personas develops the theme of Identity and Transformation. Jimmy’s pardon from the governor also indicates the powerful connections that have helped him escape justice for his crimes.

“There on the floor was still Ben Price’s collar button that had been torn from that eminent detective’s shirt-band when they had overpowered Jimmy to arrest him.”

This quote introduces Jimmy’s foil, Ben Price, and provides context about Jimmy’s arrest and prison time. Jimmy put up a struggle during his arrest and had to be “overpowered,” presumably by Price himself. Price’s collar button is a symbol of his determination to track Jimmy down and make him pay the full price for his crimes.