SOAPY MOVED RESTLESSLY ON HIS SEAT
in Madison Square. There are certain signs to show that winter is coming. Birds begin to fly south. Women who want nice new warm coats
become very kind to their husbands. And Soapy moves restlessly on
his seat in the park. When you see these signs, you know that winter
is near.
A dead leaf fell at Soapy’s feet. That was a special sign for him that
winter was coming. It was time for all who lived in Madison Square to
prepare.
Soapy’s mind now realized the fact. The time had come. He had
to find some way to take care of himself during the cold weather. And
therefore he moved restlessly on his seat.
35
O . H e n r y
Soapy’s hopes for the winter were not very high. He was not thinking of sailing away on a ship. He was not thinking of southern skies, or
of the Bay of Naples. Three months in the prison on Blackwell’s Island
was what he wanted. Three months of food every day and a bed every
night, three months safe from the cold north wind and safe from cops.
This seemed to Soapy the most desirable thing in the world.
For years Blackwell’s Island had been his winter home. Richer
New Yorkers made their large plans to go to Florida or to the shore of
the Mediterranean Sea each winter. Soapy made his small plans for
going to the Island.
And now the time had come. Three big newspapers, some under
his coat and some over his legs, had not kept him warm during the night
in the park. So Soapy was thinking of the Island.
There were places in the city where he could go and ask for food
and a bed. These would be given to him. He could move from one building to another, and he would be taken care of through the winter. But
he liked Blackwell’s Island better.
Soapy’s spirit was proud. If he went to any of these places, there
were certain things he had to do. In one way or another, he would have
to pay for what they gave him. They would not ask him for money.
But they would make him wash his whole body. They would make him
answer questions; they would want to know everything about his life.
No. Prison was better than that. The prison had rules that he
would have to follow. But in prison a gentleman’s own life was still his
own life.
Soapy, having decided to go to the Island, at once began to move
toward his desire.
There were many easy ways of doing this. The most pleasant way
was to go and have a good dinner at some fine restaurant. Then he
would say that he had no money to pay. And then a cop would be
called. It would all be done very quietly. The cop would arrest him. He
would be taken to a judge. The judge would do the rest.
36
T h e C o p a n d t h e A n t h e m
Soapy left his seat and walked out of Madison Square to the place
where the great street called Broadway and Fifth Avenue meet. He went
across this wide space and started north on Broadway. He stopped at a
large and brightly lighted restaurant. This was where the best food and
the best people in the best clothes appeared every evening.
Soapy believed that above his legs he looked all right. His face
was clean. His coat was good enough. If he could get to a table, he
believed that success would be his. The part of him that would be seen
above the table would look all right. The waiter would bring him what
he asked for.
He began thinking of what he would like to eat. In his mind he
could see the whole dinner. The cost would not be too high. He did not
want the restaurant people to feel any real anger. But the dinner would
leave him filled and happy for the journey to his winter home.
But as Soapy put his foot inside the restaurant door, the head
waiter saw his broken old shoes and the torn clothes that covered his
legs. Strong and ready hands turned Soapy around and moved him
quietly and quickly outside again.
Soapy turned off Broadway. It seemed that this easy, this most
desirable way to the Island was not to be his. He must think of some
other way to getting there.
At a corner of Sixth Avenue was a shop with a wide glass window, bright with electric lights. Soapy picked up a big stone and threw
it through the glass. People came running around the corner. A cop
was the first among them. Soapy stood still, and he smiled when he saw
the cop.
“Where’s the man that did that?” asked the cop.
“Don’t you think that I might have done it?” said Soapy. He was
friendly and happy. What he wanted was coming toward him.
But the cop’s mind would not consider Soapy. Men who break
windows do not stop there to talk to cops. They run away as fast as they
can. The cop saw a man further along the street, running. He ran after
him. And Soapy, sick at heart, walked slowly away. He had failed two
times.
37
O . H e n r y
Across the street was another restaurant. It was not so fine as the
one on Broadway. The people who went there were not so rich. Its food
was not so good. Into this, Soapy took his old shoes and his torn clothes,
and no one stopped him. He sat down at a table and was soon eating a
big dinner. When he had finished, he said that he and money were
strangers.
“Get busy and call a cop,” said Soapy. “And don’t keep a gentleman waiting.”
“No cop for you,” said the waiter. He called another waiter.
The two waiters threw Soapy upon his left ear on the hard street
outside. He stood up slowly, one part at a time, and beat the dust from
his clothes. Prison seemed only a happy dream. The Island seemed very
far away. A cop who was standing near laughed and walked away.
Soapy traveled almost half a mile before he tried again. This time
he felt very certain that he would be successful. A nice-looking young
woman was standing before a shop window, looking at the objects inside.
Very near stood a large cop.
Soapy’s plan was to speak to the young woman. She seemed to be
a very nice young lady, who would not want a strange man to speak to
her. She would ask the cop for help. And then Soapy would be happy
to feel the cop’s hand on his arm. He would be on his way to the Island.
He went near her. He could see that the cop was already watching him. The young woman moved away a few steps. Soapy followed.
Standing beside her he said:
“Good evening, Bedelia! Don’t you want to come and play with
me?”
The cop was still looking. The young woman had only to move her
hand, and Soapy would be on his way to the place where he wanted to
go. He was already thinking how warm he would be.
The young woman turned to him. Putting out her hand, she took
his arm.
“Sure, Mike,” she said joyfully, “if you’ll buy me something to
drink. I would have spoken to you sooner, but the cop was watching.”
With the young woman holding his arm, Soapy walked past the
38
T h e C o p a n d t h e A n t h e m
cop. He was filled with sadness. He was still free. Was he going to remain
free forever?
At the next corner he pulled his arm away, and ran.
When he stopped, he was near several theaters. In this part of the
city, streets are brighter and hearts are more joyful than in other parts.
Women and men in rich, warm coats moved happily in the winter air.
A sudden fear caught Soapy. No cop was going to arrest him.
Then he came to another cop standing in front of a big theater.
He thought of something else to try.
He began to shout as if he had had too much to drink. His voice
was as loud as he could make it. He danced, he cried out.
And the cop turned his back to Soapy, and said to a man standing near him, “It’s one of those college boys. He won’t hurt anything.
We had orders to let them shout.”
Soapy was quiet. Was no cop going to touch him? He began to
think of the Island as if it were as far away as heaven. He pulled his thin
coat around him. The wind was very cold.
Then he saw a man in the shop buying a newspaper. The man’s
umbrella stood beside the door. Soapy stepped inside the shop, took
the umbrella, and walked slowly away. The man followed him quickly.
“My umbrella,” he said.
“Oh, is it?” said Soapy. “Why don’t you call a cop? I took it. Your
umbrella! Why don’t you call a cop? There’s one standing at the corner.”
The man walked more slowly, Soapy did the same. But he had a
feeling that he was going to fail again. The cop looked at the two men.
“I—” said the umbrella man— “that is—you know how these
things happen—I—if that’s your umbrella I’m very sorry—I found it
this morning in a restaurant—if you say it’s yours—I hope you’ll—”
“It’s mine!” cried Soapy with anger in his voice.
The umbrella man hurried away. The cop helped a lady across the
street. Soapy walked east. He threw the umbrella as far as he could throw
it. He talked to himself about cops and what he thought of them.
Because he wished to be arrested, they seemed to believe he was like a
king, who could do no wrong.
39
O . H e n r y
At last Soapy came to one of the quiet streets on the east side of
the city. He turned here and began to walk south toward Madison
Square. He was going home, although home was only a seat in a park.
But on a very quiet corner Soapy stopped. Here was an old, old
church. Through one colored-glass window came a soft light. Sweet
music came to Soapy’s ears and seemed to hold him there.
The moon was above, peaceful and bright. There were few people passing. He could hear birds high above him.
And the anthem that came from the church held Soapy there,
for he had known it well long ago. In those days his life contained such
things as mothers and flowers and high hopes and friends and clean
thoughts and clean clothes.
Soapy’s mind was ready for something like this. He had come to the
old church at the right time. There was a sudden and wonderful change
in his soul. He saw with sick fear how he had fallen. He saw his worthless
days, his wrong desires, his dead hopes, the lost power of his mind.
And also in a moment his heart answered this change in his soul.
He would fight to change his life. He would pull himself up, out of the
mud. He would make a man of himself again.
There was time. He was young enough. He would find his old purpose in life, and follow it. That sweet music had changed him. Tomorrow he would find work. A man had once offered him a job. He would
find that man tomorrow. He would be somebody in the world. He
would—
Soapy felt a hand on his arm. He looked quickly around into the
broad face of a cop.
“What are you doing hanging around here?” asked the cop.
“Nothing,” said Soapy.
“You think I believe that?” said the cop.
Full of his new strength, Soapy began to argue. And it is not wise
to argue with a New York cop.
“Come along,” said the cop.
“Three months on the Island,” said the Judge to Soapy the next
morning.
40
write 6 things you notice about this story "The Cop and The Anthem" and provide 6 textual evidence
11 answers
Sure! Here are six observations about the story "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry, along with textual evidence for each:
Soapy's Desire for Shelter:
Textual Evidence: “Three months in the prison on Blackwell’s Island was what he wanted. Three months of food every day and a bed every night, three months safe from the cold north wind and safe from cops.”
This highlights Soapy’s desperate wish to escape the harsh winter and find security in prison.
Rejection of Alternatives:
Textual Evidence: “But in prison a gentleman’s own life was still his own life.”
Here, Soapy reflects on the rules of the shelters as being too invasive, making him prefer prison, where he feels a sense of self-control.
Failed Attempts to Get Arrested:
Textual Evidence: “A cop was the first among them. Soapy stood still, and he smiled when he saw the cop.”
As Soapy expects to be arrested for breaking a window, the cop ignores him, illustrating the irony of his situation and failed attempts.
Contrast Between Soapy and Society:
Textual Evidence: “He went near her. He could see that the cop was already watching him. The young woman moved away a few steps.”
This passage emphasizes Soapy’s alienation and how he is seen as a threat or undesirable compared to the more affluent members of society.
Moment of Self-Reflection:
Textual Evidence: “And also in a moment his heart answered this change in his soul.”
Soapy has an epiphany when he hears the music from the church, recognizing his lost potential and desire for redemption.
Irony of His Arrest:
Textual Evidence: “And it is not wise to argue with a New York cop.”
Despite his newfound resolve to change his life, he is arrested immediately after, illustrating the story’s ironic twist that reflects the struggle between societal factors and personal transformation.
These observations represent key themes of the story, such as the struggle for survival, the quest for dignity, societal rejection, and the pursuit of redemption. The textual evidence supports these themes and highlights O. Henry's narrative style.
seperate the evidence and the thing you notice
Sure! Here’s a clearer separation of the observations (things you notice) and the textual evidence from "The Cop and the Anthem":
Observations and Corresponding Textual Evidence
Soapy's Desire for Shelter:
Soapy is desperate for a safe place to spend the winter, which he believes he can find in prison.
Textual Evidence: “Three months in the prison on Blackwell’s Island was what he wanted. Three months of food every day and a bed every night, three months safe from the cold north wind and safe from cops.”
Rejection of Alternatives:
Soapy prefers prison over shelters because of the regulations and invasive questions the shelters impose.
Textual Evidence: “But in prison a gentleman’s own life was still his own life.”
Failed Attempts to Get Arrested:
Soapy's attempts to attract police attention fail, illustrating the irony of his situation and his desperation for arrest.
Textual Evidence: “A cop was the first among them. Soapy stood still, and he smiled when he saw the cop.”
Contrast Between Soapy and Society:
Soapy's interactions reflect his alienation and social rejection compared to the more affluent individuals around him.
Textual Evidence: “He went near her. He could see that the cop was already watching him. The young woman moved away a few steps.”
Moment of Self-Reflection:
While listening to the music from the church, Soapy experiences a moment of introspection and realizes his lost potential.
Textual Evidence: “And also in a moment his heart answered this change in his soul.”
Irony of His Arrest:
Even after contemplating a change in his life, Soapy is arrested, contrasting his desire for redemption with his reality.
Textual Evidence: “And it is not wise to argue with a New York cop.”
This format provides a clear and organized view of the observations and their supporting textual evidence.
what do you think about the notice, "Soapy is in dire need of a secure place to endure the winter, which he thinks he might find in prison." and the textual evidence, "Three months in the prison on Blackwell's Island was what he wanted. Three months of food every day and a bed every night, three months safe from the cold north wind and safe from cops."?
The notice "Soapy is in dire need of a secure place to endure the winter, which he thinks he might find in prison" effectively captures the essence of Soapy's desperate situation and his thought process.
Analysis
Desperation: The phrase "in dire need" powerfully conveys the urgency and severity of Soapy's circumstances. It reflects his poor living conditions and vulnerability as he faces the harsh realities of winter with no resources or shelter.
Perception of Security: The statement highlights Soapy's belief that prison represents a form of security. He equates imprisonment not only with the physical safety of shelter from the cold but also with consistent meals and stability, contrasting sharply with his life on the streets. This perception underlines the desperation of his situation—he sees prison as a more favorable option than life as a homeless person.
Textual Evidence: The textual evidence, “Three months in the prison on Blackwell's Island was what he wanted. Three months of food every day and a bed every night, three months safe from the cold north wind and safe from cops,” reinforces this notion. It articulates Soapy's thought process clearly, revealing his longing for basic comforts—food, shelter, safety from the elements, and protection from law enforcement.
Conclusion
Overall, both the notice and the textual evidence effectively illustrate Soapy's dire need for stability and the ironic twist of his desire to find that stability in prison. This raises questions about societal structures, the meaning of freedom, and the human condition, as it suggests that for some, prison may appear more secure than the uncertainties of life on the streets. This observation adds depth to the character of Soapy and the narrative's exploration of survival and dignity in the face of adversity.
what do you think about the notice, Soapy favors prison over shelters due to the strict rules and intrusive questions that shelters require. and the textual evidence, "But in prison a gentleman's own life was still his own life."
The notice "Soapy favors prison over shelters due to the strict rules and intrusive questions that shelters require" captures the essence of Soapy's character and his values regarding freedom and personal dignity.
Analysis
Value of Autonomy: The observation underscores Soapy's deep-seated desire for autonomy. Even in a bleak situation, he prefers prison—an inherently restrictive environment—over shelters that impose rules he finds demeaning. This preference indicates that his sense of self-worth is tied to the concept of maintaining control over his life, even if that means enduring the loss of freedom in prison.
Rejection of Welfare: Soapy’s decision to avoid shelters reflects a broader commentary on societal systems meant to aid the less fortunate. He perceives the requirements of shelters, such as cleanliness and personal history inquiries, as invasive and humiliating. This reaction illustrates how social safety nets can sometimes feel patronizing or degrading to individuals in need, pushing them to seek alternatives, even if those alternatives seem less appealing on the surface.
Textual Evidence: The textual evidence, “But in prison a gentleman's own life was still his own life,” powerfully captures this sentiment. The phrase reinforces Soapy's belief that, despite the harshness of prison life, there remains a sense of autonomy and dignity that he feels is stripped away in shelters. The word "gentleman" suggests that Soapy still holds on to a self-image of respectability, which he fears would be compromised by the demands of shelters.
Conclusion
Overall, both the notice and the textual evidence highlight the complexity of Soapy's situation and mindset. They illustrate how societal expectations can create barriers for those seeking help, leading them to embrace choices that are paradoxically less desirable. This dynamic adds depth to the story, reflecting broader themes of dignity, autonomy, and the struggle for identity within an unforgiving social landscape. Soapy's favoring of prison over shelters underscores the intricate relationship between freedom, self-respect, and the desperate choices faced by the marginalized.
what do you think about the notice, Soapy's efforts to draw the attention of the police are unsuccessful, highlighting the irony of his situation and his urgent wish to be arrested. and the textual evidence, “A cop was the first among them. Soapy stood still, and he smiled when he saw the cop."?
The notice "Soapy's efforts to draw the attention of the police are unsuccessful, highlighting the irony of his situation and his urgent wish to be arrested" effectively captures a central theme of the story, as well as the tragicomic nature of Soapy's plight.
Analysis
Desperation for Arrest: The statement emphasizes Soapy's paradoxical desire to be arrested. It reveals a compelling irony: he actively seeks police attention to escape the harsh realities of homelessness, but the reality is that he finds it remarkably difficult to provoke the response he longs for. His need for security and a roof over his head is so acute that he desires incarceration, which underscores the severity of his circumstances.
Irony in Social Dynamics: The irony here serves to critique societal structures that govern how individuals like Soapy are viewed. Rather than being recognized and assisted, he is overlooked and ignored, while his behavior becomes increasingly desperate. This highlights the disconnect between those in authority (like the police) and the homeless, suggesting that society often fails to acknowledge the needs and humanity of vulnerable individuals.
Textual Evidence: The textual evidence, "A cop was the first among them. Soapy stood still, and he smiled when he saw the cop," illustrates Soapy’s anticipation and expectation of positive outcomes from his action. His smile conveys a moment of hope or relief at the sight of the cop—someone he believes could provide the resolution to his struggles by arresting him. This moment emphasizes the tragic irony of Soapy's situation: he is completely aware of the absurdity of his wishes but remains trapped in a reality where he cannot control the outcome.
Conclusion
Overall, both the notice and the textual evidence poignantly reflect the mental and emotional turmoil experienced by Soapy. They paint a picture of a man in dire straits, highlighting the absurdity of his situation. His desire for arrest, sought through increasingly desperate actions, underscores the themes of societal neglect and personal hopelessness. The irony of his failed efforts amplifies the story's commentary on the challenges faced by those who are marginalized, and it elicits both sympathy and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human needs and the often indifferent societal structures surrounding them.
what do u think about the notice, Soapy's encounters reveal his sense of alienation and social rejection compared to the more privileged individuals around him. and the textual evidence, "He went near her. He could see that the cop was already watching him. The young woman moved away a few steps."?
The notice "Soapy's encounters reveal his sense of alienation and social rejection compared to the more privileged individuals around him" effectively captures the essence of his struggles as a homeless man in a society that marginalizes individuals like him.
Analysis
Sense of Alienation: The statement underscores the profound feeling of isolation that Soapy experiences. His attempts to interact with others often lead to rejection, reinforcing his status as an outsider. This alienation is not just physical—stemming from his homelessness—but also emotional and psychological, as he internalizes the social stigma attached to his situation.
Social Hierarchy and Class Divide: The reference to "privileged individuals" highlights the stark contrast between Soapy and the people around him. He exists in a space where the wealthy and comfortable move freely, while he is scrutinized and marginalized. This dynamic serves as a critique of the social structures that perpetuate inequality and alienation, where the appearance of wealth and respectability creates barriers to connection.
Textual Evidence: The textual evidence, "He went near her. He could see that the cop was already watching him. The young woman moved away a few steps," illustrates this sense of social rejection. The actions of the young woman, who distances herself from Soapy upon sensing his presence, accentuate his outsider status. Instead of engaging with him, her instinct is to avoid him, reinforcing his feelings of worthlessness and despair.
Conclusion
Together, the notice and the textual evidence poignantly highlight the themes of alienation and social rejection experienced by Soapy. They illustrate how external perceptions shape individual experiences and how societal class divides create barriers that isolate vulnerable individuals. Soapy's longing for connection is met only with disdain or fear, echoing the broader critique of how society often fails to acknowledge and include those who are struggling. This adds depth to the story, prompting readers to reflect on the human cost of social inequality and the need for empathy and understanding in addressing the challenges faced by the marginalized.
1 answer