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The cop and the anthem
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“The cop and the anthem” by O' Henry: Summary"The Cop and the Anthem" is a short story by O. Henry that revolves around the
life of a homeless man named Soapy. Set in New York City during the wintertime,
the story is both humorous and poignant as it explores themes of freedom, choices,
and the desire for change.
Summary:
The story begins with Soapy, a middle-aged, well-dressed man, sitting on a park
bench contemplating his life. He's a homeless man, but he has not always been in
this condition. Soapy used to be a respected and successful member of society until
a series of unfortunate events led to his downfall.
As winter approaches, Soapy realizes that he cannot endure the harsh, cold nights
on the streets any longer. He decides that he wants to be arrested and sent to a
warm jail cell for the winter. He believes that this is the only way to escape the cold
and enjoy some comfort. However, he doesn't want to be arrested for a minor
offense; he wants to commit a serious crime that would guarantee him a lengthy
sentence.
Soapy embarks on a series of comical and unsuccessful attempts to get arrested. He
starts with breaking a window, but when the policeman arrives, he pretends to be
an innocent passerby. He then tries to steal an umbrella but fails to attract the
police's attention. He goes to a restaurant and attempts to dine and dash but ends up
working for his meal instead. His efforts to get arrested repeatedly end in failure,
partly due to his refined appearance and demeanor, which make it difficult for
anyone to believe that he is a criminal.
, Frustrated and dejected, Soapy decides to take a stroll through the city, pondering
his situation. As he walks down Fifth Avenue, he stops in front of a church and
hears a choir singing. The music moves him deeply, and he experiences an
epiphany. Soapy decides to change his life, to "reform." He reflects on the missed
opportunities, the mistakes he made, and the goodness he had lost. He decides that
he will make a fresh start, become an honest man, and contribute positively to
society.
In a final, ironic twist, as he walks away from the church determined to change his
life, a police officer arrests him for loitering. Soapy does not resist arrest; he is
ready to embrace the chance for warmth and shelter in jail. However, the story ends
on a hopeful note, with Soapy's decision to reform, indicating the possibility of a
new beginning.
"The Cop and the Anthem" is a story that combines humor with a deeper
exploration of the human desire for change and redemption. Soapy's attempts to get
arrested, juxtaposed with his decision to reform, highlight the complexities of
human nature and the potential for transformation even in the direst of
circumstances.
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