Essay: Analyzing Figurative Language and Its Historical Context in "The Walrus and the Carpenter" and "The Cop and the Anthem"
Both "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll and "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry employ figurative language effectively to reflect their respective periods and societal contexts.
In "The Walrus and the Carpenter," Carroll uses personification and simile to create a vivid imagery of the setting. An example is the line, “The moon was shining sulkily / Because she thought the sun / Had got no business to be there / After the day was done.” The moon is personified with human-like emotions, portraying a sense of jealousy or displeasure towards the sun. This use of personification not only brings the celestial bodies to life but also suggests a whimsical, almost childlike perspective on nature, which is typical of Carroll's style. The imagery of bright and sulking celestial bodies hints at the unpredictability of life, mirroring the Victorian era’s complexities, where rapid societal changes often clashed with traditional values.
Moreover, the simile “The sea was wet as wet could be, / The sands were dry as dry” enhances the contrast in the environment, emphasizing the extremes of nature. This line underscores the whimsical tone of the poem, capturing the paradoxical beauty of the surroundings. The simplicity of the language reflects Carroll's aim to craft a narrative accessible to younger readers, suggesting a cultural period where literature was increasingly directed toward children, away from didacticism into more imaginative realms.
In contrast, O. Henry’s "The Cop and the Anthem," particularly the line, “A dead leaf fell at Soapy’s feet. That was a special sign for him that winter was coming,” employs symbolism to underscore a profound sense of inevitability. The dead leaf symbolizes the onset of winter, which, for Soapy, represents a harsh time that he perceives as an opportunity for shelter. The depiction of Soapy moving “restlessly on his seat” implies a deeper existential crisis of the homeless during the early 20th century, reflecting the socio-economic struggles of urban life. As O. Henry navigates themes of fate and the fight for survival in New York City’s unforgiving environment, his use of simple yet poignant language resonates with the readers' understanding of the challenges faced by the less fortunate.
Furthermore, Soapy's thoughts about seeking imprisonment as a refuge reveal a critique of society's failure to provide for its vulnerable citizens. His desire for a “bed every night, three months safe from the cold north wind and safe from cops” reflects an era where social inequities were rampant, a theme prevalent in much of O. Henry’s work, highlighting the struggles of the urban poor amidst rapid industrialization and urban expansion.
In conclusion, both Carroll and O. Henry utilize figurative language to reflect the historical and cultural contexts of their time. Carroll’s whimsical imagery and playful language reveal the innocence of Victorian childhood, while O. Henry’s stark symbolism and engaging narrative critique the societal challenges of early 20th-century urban life. Together, these literary texts provide rich insights into the authors’ respective societies, illustrating their unique challenges and perspectives through the lens of figurative language.