In O. Henry’s short story "The Cop and the Anthem," irony plays a crucial role in both the development of the theme surrounding Soapy's attempts to get arrested and in shaping the story's tone. Soapy is a homeless man who wishes to get arrested so that he can spend the cold winter months in the warmth of the jail. Ironically, despite his efforts to engage in behaviors that would typically lead to arrest, he fails repeatedly, which highlights the disconnect between his desires and the reality he experiences.
Instances of Irony:
-
Soapy's Desires vs. Reality: Throughout the story, Soapy believes that engaging in petty criminal acts will ensure his arrest. For instance, he tries to break a shop window, but the window doesn't break. This failure reflects the irony of his situation: he’s desperate to escape the harsh realities of life on the streets, yet the world seems to conspire against him. Rather than achieving his goal—a warm cell—he finds himself repeatedly thwarted. This creates a tone of frustration and absurdity, underscoring the futility of his attempts.
-
Irony of Circumstances: When Soapy decides to go to a fine restaurant and order an expensive meal as a means to attract the police, he is ironically treated with kindness rather than being noted as a criminal. He is mistaken for a well-to-do gentleman, which deepens the irony since he seeks to be judged as a miscreant. This moment emphasizes the theme that social perceptions can often distort reality, and it’s shocking to see how Soapy’s attempts at crime are met with generosity, further making the audience question the justice system and societal norms.
-
The Climax of Irony: The ultimate irony occurs at the end of the story when, just as Soapy has an epiphany about wanting to change his life and seeks to make a fresh start, he inadvertently finds himself in a position to get arrested—a policeman approaches him. Ironically, it’s the very moment he reconsiders his motives and desires, wanting to change his life for the better, that he finally gets what he originally wanted—arrest. This moment underscores a tragic twist, reinforcing the idea that life often operates in unexpected, illogical ways and creating a tone of poignant reflection on Soapy's circumstances.
Conclusion:
Overall, O. Henry’s use of irony throughout "The Cop and the Anthem" effectively develops the theme of Soapy’s struggle to find solace through arrest, while also shaping a tone that oscillates between absurdity and tragic irony. Soapy's futile attempts to escape the harsh winter by seeking the warmth of a jail cell serve as a commentary on the complexities of societal perceptions and the unpredictable nature of life, leaving readers to reflect on the deeper implications of this irony.