The Cop and the Anthem by O. Henry: Monstera Grapple & Literary Irony Quiz

Study Notes

The Cop and the Anthem by O. Henry: Exploring Literary Irony and Homelessness

"The Cop and the Anthem" is a classic short story by O. Henry that weaves together themes of irony and homelessness in a poignant and thought-provoking narrative. This piece, first published in 1907, offers readers a glimpse into the lives of the downtrodden during the tumultuous early 20th century.

Plot Summary

The story, set in New York City, revolves around two main characters: Officer Hickey, a policeman, and an anonymous beggar. One cold Christmas eve, as Hickey is patrolling the streets, the beggar—who has been publicly humiliated by police on prior occasions—approaches him to sing the national anthem in exchange for a few cents. Hickey, moved by the man's voice and the song's beauty, initially refuses to arrest him, then later gives him a dollar to sing again. The beggar, however, chooses to give the money back, insisting that he only wanted to earn enough to buy a meal for his family.

Irony in Literature

The irony in "The Cop and the Anthem" is both situational and dramatic. Situational irony, for instance, arises when Hickey, who is expected to enforce the law and bring order to the streets, succumbs to the charms of the beggar's voice and grants him leeway. This unexpected turn of events leads to a dramatic irony as the beggar, who is traditionally perceived as a social outcast, ends up benefiting from the policeman's kindness.

Homelessness

O. Henry's choice to make one of the main characters a homeless beggar illustrates the rampant social issue of homelessness in the early 20th century, as well as the hardships faced by the downtrodden. The beggar, who is not given a name, exists solely as a shell of a human being, struggling to provide for his family in the face of adversity. The story implies that homelessness is as much a result of external factors such as poverty and unemployment as it is a consequence of individual choices.

Character Analysis

Hickey, the policeman, is a complex character who embodies the duality of human nature. At first, he appears rigid and unforgiving, determined to maintain order and discipline. As the story unfolds, however, Hickey softens, revealing a more compassionate side. His actions illustrate the potential for change and growth within the human heart.

The beggar, on the other hand, is a sympathetic character who embodies the struggles of the poor and marginalized. His voice and his national anthem serve as a stark reminder of the human capacity for hope and resilience in the face of oppression.

Reflection

"The Cop and the Anthem" serves as a poignant reminder of the subtleties of human nature and the complexities of social issues. The story's focus on irony and homelessness is as relevant today as it was when the tale was first penned. O. Henry's narrative offers readers a unique perspective on the human condition, inspiring us to consider the effects of our actions and the consequences of our choices. As we continue to grapple with the issues of homelessness and inequality, we can find solace in the knowledge that, like Officer Hickey, we too have the capacity to make a difference, one kind act at a time.

Description

Explore the themes of irony and homelessness in O. Henry's classic short story 'The Cop and the Anthem'. Dive into the plot, characters, and the social issues depicted in this thought-provoking narrative.