“The Cop and the Anthem” is a short story written by O. Henry, the pen name of American author William Sydney Porter. The story was first published in 1904 and is known for its humorous and ironic twist.
The protagonist of the tale is a street dweller named Soapy from New York City. As winter draws near, Soapy comes to the conclusion that he cannot survive another brutal winter on the streets. He decides that the best way to spend the winter in a warm jail cell is to be apprehended.
Soapy devises a strategy to be apprehended. He makes the decision to carry out a minor crime, like robbing an umbrella or breaking a window, right in front of a police officer. But every time he tries to carry out the crime, he is either stopped or the police officer doesn’t see it.
Soapy gets frustrated by his futile attempts and grows more determined to be arrested. He tries a variety of tactics, but none of them are successful. He even considers punching a well-dressed man, but his conscience forbids him.
Finally, on New Year’s Eve, Soapy comes up with a plan to act as though he is praying while standing in front of a church. He hopes that by appearing to be a changed person, someone will give him the opportunity to start over. He hears the lovely choir singing inside, though, and is moved by their music as he stands in front of the church.
In a moment of realization, Soapy decides to abandon his plan to get arrested. He realizes that he wants to change his life and become a better person. He decides to make a fresh start and leave his life of homelessness behind.
As he walks away from the church, Soapy feels a sense of hope and optimism for the future. He decides to find a job and work hard to improve his life. The story ends with Soapy looking forward to a new beginning and a chance to redeem himself.
“The Cop and the Anthem” is a humorous and ironic story that explores themes of desperation, redemption, and the desire for a better life. O. Henry’s storytelling style and clever twist ending make it a memorable and enjoyable read.
-
Theme Evidence / Quote Explanation Slavery and Oppression “I am not free, though my paper says I am.” Highlights the cruelty of slavery and how freedom is denied despite legal claims. Courage and Resilience “I must be brave if I am ever to see freedom.” Isabel demonstrates strength and determination in the face of danger.…
-
Story Element Description / Events Exposition Isabel and her sister Ruth are enslaved in New York. Their master dies, and though the will promises them freedom, they are instead sold to the cruel Locktons, Loyalists during the American Revolution. Inciting Incident Isabel realizes that the Locktons plan to betray the Patriots and that her life…
-
Device Evidence Quote Effect / Purpose Free Verse / Poetry “I am born in Ohio but the South is in me.” Shows fragmented memory and poetic flow; emphasizes feeling over chronology First-Person Narrative “I am trying to remember the first time I felt different.” Creates intimacy and personal insight from Jacqueline’s perspective Imagery / Sensory…
Leave a Reply