The Cop And The Anthem Summary

The Cop and the Anthem: A Detailed Summary and Analysis

O. Henry's "The Cop and the Anthem" is a classic short story that masterfully blends humor, irony, and social commentary. It tells the tale of Soapy, a down-on-his-luck vagrant in New York City, who desperately seeks refuge from the approaching winter in prison. This seemingly paradoxical desire forms the comedic core of the story, highlighting the complexities of poverty, societal structures, and the human condition. This article provides a comprehensive summary, followed by an in-depth analysis exploring the themes, characters, and literary techniques employed by O. Henry.

A Summary of "The Cop and the Anthem"

The story centers around Soapy, a man experiencing homelessness and despair in the bustling streets of New York City. As winter approaches, the harsh realities of his situation become increasingly unbearable. He decides the best solution is to secure a place in prison – a warm bed and three meals a day – until spring arrives. His plan is straightforward: commit a minor crime and be arrested.

Soapy's attempts to get arrested are hilariously inept. He tries various methods, from attempting to steal an umbrella to disrupting a church service. Each attempt backfires spectacularly due to the unexpected kindness or unyielding moral compass of those around him. He finds himself repeatedly thwarted by the benevolence of strangers or the incompetence of the police.

His initial attempts fail due to the surprising goodness of those he targets. For example, his attempt to steal an umbrella from a kindly gentleman is met with unexpected generosity, the man offering him the umbrella instead. Similarly, his attempts at vandalism are disrupted, and he is even offered a job. The ironic juxtaposition of Soapy's intentions with the reality of his experiences adds to the story's humorous effect.

As Soapy's frustration mounts, he settles on a more direct approach: he tries to provoke a policeman by creating a disturbance. However, even this fails. His attempts are met with unexpected leniency, with the officer simply advising him to move along. This highlights the complexity of the social system and the unpredictable nature of human interaction.

Finally, Soapy, exhausted and defeated, sits on a park bench, contemplating his failed schemes. He is dejected and resigned to spending another cold night on the streets. At this moment, his gaze falls upon a Salvation Army meeting. He hears the beautiful hymn "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," and a deep longing for redemption and a better life unexpectedly awakens within him. This shift marks a turning point in the story.

Overwhelmed with a sudden urge to reform, Soapy walks towards the meeting intending to surrender to the appeal of goodness. However, just as he is about to enter, a policeman arrests him. This arrest, though seemingly unwanted and unexpected, perfectly suits his earlier desperate desire for imprisonment. The irony is profound and poignant. Soapy gets his wish, albeit in a way he never anticipated. The story ends with Soapy’s arrest, highlighting the unexpected twists and turns of fate.

Character Analysis: Soapy

Soapy is a complex character. He is not a villain but a product of his circumstances. He is a victim of poverty and social inequality, forced to resort to desperate measures for survival. His desire for imprisonment isn't driven by malice but by a pragmatic need for shelter and sustenance. His attempts to get arrested reveal his resourcefulness, albeit in a flawed and humorous manner. He is acutely aware of the social injustices he faces, making his actions a direct response to these injustices. His eventual shift towards reform shows a glimmer of hope, a capacity for change that lies dormant beneath his cynical exterior.

Themes in "The Cop and the Anthem"

The story explores several interconnected themes:

Poverty and Social Inequality: The story starkly portrays the harsh realities faced by the homeless and poor in New York City. Soapy's desperation highlights the systemic issues that leave individuals vulnerable and without options. His struggles reveal the lack of social safety nets and the challenges faced by those living on the margins of society.

The Irony of Fate: Soapy's meticulously planned efforts to be arrested fail repeatedly, leading to a series of ironic and humorous situations. The story uses irony to emphasize the unpredictability of life and the unintended consequences of actions. The final arrest, an outcome he desperately sought earlier, ironically arrives when he least expects it and when he has actually decided to change his life.

Redemption and Reform: Despite his initial cynicism, Soapy experiences a moment of genuine desire for self-improvement. The hymn and the Salvation Army meeting trigger an unexpected longing for a better life, showing the possibility of redemption even in the most unlikely of circumstances. This moment of potential transformation provides a hopeful, if somewhat bittersweet, ending to the story.

Human Kindness and Unexpected Benevolence: The repeated instances of unexpected kindness from others highlight the surprising generosity of strangers despite Soapy’s cynical expectation. These acts underscore the complexity of human nature and demonstrate that even in a harsh urban environment, compassion exists. This creates a striking contrast with Soapy's own cynicism and reinforces the theme of irony.

The Nature of Justice: The story subtly critiques the justice system, revealing inconsistencies and unintended consequences. The policemen's actions, while seemingly arbitrary, reflect the complexities of law enforcement and the human element within it. Soapy's final arrest raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the system in addressing poverty and social injustice.

Literary Techniques Employed

O. Henry masterfully employs several literary techniques to enhance the story's impact:

Irony: Irony is the cornerstone of the story. The stark contrast between Soapy's intentions and the outcomes of his actions creates a constant source of humor and suspense. The ironic twist at the end elevates the story beyond mere comedy, adding a layer of poignant reflection.

Humor: The story's humor stems from the incongruity of Soapy's plans and their execution. The repeated failures of his attempts to get arrested are funny precisely because of their absurdity. The humor is not mean-spirited but rather a vehicle to highlight the absurdity of Soapy's situation and the societal structures that create it.

Satire: The story subtly satirizes aspects of society, particularly the indifference of some towards the plight of the poor and the inconsistencies of the justice system. The satire is never heavy-handed but rather woven into the narrative through irony and the characters' actions.

Character Development: O. Henry cleverly develops Soapy's character through his actions and internal thoughts. We see his cynicism, his despair, and ultimately his flicker of hope. The evolution of Soapy’s perspective throughout the narrative adds depth and complexity.

Setting: The setting of New York City in the early 20th century is integral to the story. The bustling city streets provide a backdrop for Soapy’s desperate attempts to survive, emphasizing the contrast between the city's opulence and the struggles of its impoverished residents. The specific descriptions of the city add vividness and realism to the narrative.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

"The Cop and the Anthem" is more than just a humorous short story. It is a poignant commentary on poverty, social injustice, and the unexpected twists of fate. O. Henry's masterful use of irony, humor, and character development creates a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story's lasting legacy lies in its ability to evoke empathy for the marginalized and to spark reflection on the complexities of the human condition and the systems that shape our lives. The seemingly simple plot belies a deeper exploration of morality, societal structures, and the persistent human capacity for both self-destruction and unexpected redemption. The unexpected ending leaves the reader pondering the nature of justice, the complexities of human behavior, and the elusive path to finding solace and hope in a harsh and often unforgiving world.