What is the message of The Cop and the Anthem?
”The Cop and the Anthem” is a short story by O. Henry that addresses themes related to freedom and class. In the story, the main character, Soapy, is a homeless man who would prefer to spend time in prison rather than in a homeless shelter because they ask too many questions.
What is the irony in The Cop and the Anthem?
In “The Cop and the Anthem” the irony is this: just when Soapy realizes he wants a better life, he’s arrested and sentenced to exactly what he wished for in the beginning—a three month stay in jail.
What is the mood of The Cop and the Anthem?
Henry’s tone is empathetic and accepting of Soapy and Soapy’s story. Check out our section on “Writing Style,” where we dig even deeper into O. Henry’s personal style.
What is the inciting incident of The Cop and the Anthem?
“The Cop and the Anthem” begins with the arrival of winter in New York City. Soapy decides he must leave his bench in Madison Square Park and get himself arrested so he will be taken to Blackwell’s Island, where he will be given a warm place to sleep during the winter.
How does the story of The Cop and the Anthem end?
What happens at the end of the story? Soapy decides to change his life. But then a cop arrests Soapy. He is sent to Blackwell’s Island.
Who is the protagonist of the story The Cop and the Anthem?
“The Cop and the Anthem” has only one character who is given a name, the protagonist “Soapy.” It is made clear that Soapy is homeless, one of the underclass men and women who flocked to New York City during the earliest years of the twentieth century.
What was the irony of Soapy’s life?
The irony of the situation is that when Soapy wants to be arrested, no cop comes to him. But later when he wants to transform himself, he is arrested.
How was the ending of cop and anthem?
Who is the antagonist in The Cop and the Anthem?
Soapy is the protagonist, the police are his antagonist.
What type of conflict is in The Cop and the Anthem?
The central conflict of “The Cop and the Anthem” is the fact that Soapy will die if he is unable to find a home. He is not alone in this conflict, as he is one of the “regular denizens of Madison Square” who must depart every year and find a new place to lay his head.
What is the climax in The Cop and the Anthem?
Climax. Stage Identification: Soapy hears the anthem and is inspired to change his life. Explanation/Discussion: Soapy gives up on trying to get arrested, at least for the night, and walks back to his park bench. On the way, Soapy hears organ music (an anthem) coming from a church.
What was Soapy’s main goal?
He wants to return to prison, so he has three months of warmth, a bed, safety from cops, and meals. In what city is the setting? Why does Soapy prefer prison over other places (i.e. a mission, shelter)?