Self-Improvement In Daniel Keyes A Retrieved Reformation, A Speckled Band

Self-improvement is a necessary skill everyone needs to know. Whether you’re trying to stick to a new diet, or trying to going to bed earlier, all of these tasks are forms of self-improvement. Self-improvement is a common theme in all three short stories, “Flowers For Algernon” by Daniel Keyes, “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry, and “A Speckled Band” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. All short stories have a character that wanted to improve themselves. Self Improvement can cause other’s lives to change, some in a positive way, some in a negative way. Self-improvement can be a topic that is difficult for some because the work can be challenging and strenuous. Although self-improvement can be difficult, it’s a major part of becoming the best version of yourself because you can have a positive ego boost, feel more accomplished, and fix your flaws, imperfections, or bad habits. In “Flowers For Algernon” by Daniel Keyes, Charlie was a main character that wanted to improve himself. First, he wanted to …show more content…
Henry, who was trying to reform his life of crime. He began as a criminal who broke into safes, but once he was out of prison, he wanted to give up his life of crime. Valentine moved out to the small town of Elmore, where he opened a shoe shop and started a legitimate, self-improved, crime free, business and life. Jimmy started to fall in love with Annabel Adams who he “...Became more and more captivated by her charms.” (Henry 255). Valentine became engaged to Annabel Adams and two weeks before their marriage, there was trouble at her father's bank. A little girl had become trapped in the vault and without Jimmy’s help, she would die. He used his safe-cracking skills to open the safe and free the girl, but at the cost of his true identity, so “Jimmy Valentine put on his coat, and walked outside.” (Henry 257). Although most self-improvements impact others positively, some can cause others negative