Appearance, Character, and Morals Theme Analysis

In “After Twenty Years,” O. Henry uses physical details—from the rainy New York night to brilliant flashes of electric lights—to create atmosphere and even foreshadow elements of the story. Most strikingly, Jimmy and Bob’s appearances clue readers into aspects of their respective characters. For instance, Jimmy’s upright and law-abiding persona is reflected through his “watchful eye,” “stalwart form,” skillful twirling of his club, and confident gait. Thus, not only is he a police officer, but he physically embodies the characteristics of one – he “makes a fine picture of a guardian of the peace.” On the other hand, Bob’s criminal status is mirrored in his pale face, “keen eyes,” and “white scar,” features that hint at a troubled past. Despite his ill-gotten wealth—made evident by his diamond-encrusted scarf pin and watch—Bob does not seem to be doing well physically. His moral depravity seems to have taken physical form, giving him the appearance of an overly wary, sick person. Even before making both men’s identities obvious, then, O. Henry uses physical appearance to signal that each man’s character has developed and degraded in specific ways over the decades. As such, he suggests that while physical appearance can’t reveal everything about a person, it can certainly reflect their moral trajectory.