# The Cop and the Anthem explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by O. Henry.

## What happens

Soapy, a homeless man in New York City, seeks to be arrested and sent to Blackwell's Island prison for the winter. He attempts various schemes—smashing a window, dining without paying, harassing a woman, and stealing an umbrella—but each fails due to unexpected circumstances. After a moment of reflection inspired by an organ anthem from a church, he resolves to reform his life. However, just as he makes this decision, a policeman arrests him for loitering, and he is sentenced to three months on the Island.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Wealth

Soapy's poverty drives his schemes to enter prison, contrasting with the wealthy who winter in warm resorts.

### Crime and Consequence

Soapy's deliberate attempts to commit crimes for arrest are repeatedly thwarted, highlighting the irony of justice.

### Humor and Irony

The story is filled with ironic twists: Soapy cannot get arrested when he tries, but is arrested when he reforms.

## Character check-ins

### Soapy

Protagonist; a homeless man determined to get arrested for winter shelter.

## Key lines

> Three months on the Island was what his soul craved. Three months of assured board and bed and congenial company, safe from Boreas and bluecoats, seemed to Soapy the essence of things desirable.

Soapy's only winter ambition was to be imprisoned on Blackwell's Island for three months, where he would have food, shelter, and companionship, protected from the cold and police.

_Establishes Soapy's goal and the story's central irony._

> The conjunction of Soapy's receptive state of mind and the influences about the old church wrought a sudden and wonderful change in his soul.

The church's music and atmosphere triggered a profound transformation in Soapy's outlook.

_Key turning point where Soapy decides to reform._

> Soapy felt a hand laid on his arm. He looked quickly around into the broad face of a policeman.

Just as Soapy resolved to change his life, a policeman arrested him.

_Climactic irony: arrest comes when he no longer seeks it._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters/the-cop-and-the-anthem
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_41_se/chapters