“…This reminds me of one of the quotes I coined from the movie ‘Black Panther’: ‘To serve my nation is more noble than to save my unpatriotic friend”…,
The thoughts highlighted in these words by a participant of the AIFA Book Club’s Mini Story Series, Adeleke Adeite, formed the crux of the discussion at the 6th session of the series held on Saturday, May 16th, 2020 where the 18th century literature ‘After Twenty Years’ by ‘O’ Henry, was explored.
O’ Henry’s short story, ‘After Twenty Years’ is about two friends who parted ways to explore life and its opportunities. Before departure, both had agreed to meet at the same spot they parted ways twenty years before. Finally meeting after twenty years, Jimmy and Bob appeared in differing state of affairs; one a criminal and the other a police officer. The meeting leads to the arrest of the wanted criminal.
This intriguing piece struck the debate between participants as to whether or not it was worthy to jeopardize an old time friendship to fulfill one’s duty. Participants shared varying thoughts on this engaging piece.
Chinyere Akachukwu: “…I think the meeting after twenty years showed how deep their friendship was. People seldom make promises that they stick to it. Fulfilling the promise to meet after 2 decades showed not just how much they cherished/ respected the friendship but also tells us something about both their characters. They were clearly men who stood firmly by their word…”
Shoyemi: “…Time is not enough to fade out your past deeds. Particularly, when it’s evil you planted in the past. The story reminds me of the popular saying- “people will forget what you say to them but they will never forget how you make them fell.” Our past will always wait for us in the future whether we like it or not…”
Bayo Adewolu: “Lies may have a head start of 20 years, but truth will catch up with it in seconds.”
Rabi Isma: “…And that is part of the *situational irony* of this story. He says “I hope Jimmy has done half as well. He was a slow mover.” With his showy jewels, Bob must have been looking forward to showing off his ‘success’ to the friend that he considered had little ambition. Then he talks to the cop not realising it is actually his friend.”
Just like Edmund Burke captures in his words, “To read without reflecting is to eat without digesting”, come on board the AIFA Book Club’s Mini Story Series, as we reflect and digest classic and engaging literary pieces.
Join us this Saturday!
18-35yrs
https://bit.ly/2VLhfcn
36+yrs
https://bit.ly/3cYBRnn