Test: After Twenty Years - Class 8 MCQ

The story suggests that success can lead to moral dilemmas, as seen through Bob's character. While he achieved material wealth, it came through illegal means, which ultimately places him in a precarious situation when confronted with the law. This highlights the idea that success is not just about financial gain but also about the ethical choices one makes along the way.

Bob and Jimmy agree to meet again after twenty years during their last dinner together. This promise reflects their strong bond and the hope that their friendship would endure despite the different paths they chose. The story ultimately explores whether such promises can survive the test of time and circumstance.

At the end of the story, Jimmy faces the moral dilemma of whether to betray his friend Bob, who has turned into a criminal, in order to fulfill his duty as a police officer. This conflict highlights the themes of loyalty, friendship, and the responsibilities that come with one's role in society, ultimately emphasizing the complexity of human relationships in the face of ethical challenges.

The primary theme of "After Twenty Years" is the impact of time on friendships. The story illustrates how friendships can change over time, as seen through the contrasting life paths of Bob and Jimmy. While Bob became a wealthy man through dubious means, Jimmy remained loyal to his moral obligations, demonstrating that true friendship can be tested by life's choices and circumstances.

Bob shows the police officer a diamond-studded watch, which signifies his success and wealth gained from his time in the West. This detail not only highlights Bob's material achievements but also contrasts with Jimmy's more humble lifestyle, emphasizing the different paths they have taken since their youth.

Jimmy is revealed to be a police officer when he meets Bob again. This occupation is pivotal to the story's climax, as it places Jimmy in the position of having to reconcile his loyalty to his friend with his duty to uphold the law, ultimately leading to the moral conflict that defines the narrative.

Bob describes Jimmy as "the finest chap in the world," highlighting his admiration and deep affection for his friend. This description emphasizes the genuine bond they shared and sets the stage for the emotional tension that unfolds later in the story when their lives meet again after two decades.

Bob realizes that the tall man in the drug store is not Jimmy when he notices a significant change in his features. Despite the passage of twenty years, Bob's keen observation reveals that certain physical characteristics remain constant, leading to the dramatic twist of the story where he discovers the truth about his friend.

Jimmy demonstrates his loyalty to Bob by not arresting him, even though he recognizes Bob as the wanted criminal "Silky Bob." This act of loyalty underscores the complexity of their friendship, as Jimmy struggles between his duty as a police officer and his longstanding bond with Bob.

The setting of New York serves as a backdrop for nostalgia and memories, particularly for Bob and Jimmy's reunion. The city encapsulates their past experiences and the changes that have occurred over the years, making it a significant element in understanding the characters' emotional journeys and the passage of time.