Like all literary texts, both “The Walrus and the Carpenter” and “The Cop and the Anthem” are products of the time in which they were written: Lewis Carroll lived in England during the reign of Queen Victoria (from 1837 to 1901), a time of industrial and technological growth. O Henry wrote most of his works around the turn of the twentieth century while living in New York City—again, a time of great change and growth. In an essay of 300 to 400 words, analyze the language of each text and share your thoughts about what it indicates about the historical and cultural surroundings of the author. Use specific quotations and evidence from the texts to support your analysis. Organize your essay clearly, and follow the rules of English grammar and punctuation.

Answer 1

Both “The Walrus and the Carpenter” by Lewis Carroll and “The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry vividly illustrate their authors' cultural and historical environments through their distinctive use of language and themes. Carroll's poem, written during the reign of Queen Victoria, captures the whimsical and often nonsensical spirit of children's literature, reflecting the era's industrial growth and moral complexities. O. Henry, writing in early 20th-century America, employs a more realistic and cynical tone, highlighting the struggles of individuals in a rapidly modernizing society.

Carroll's playful language and whimsical imagery embody the Victorian fascination with imagination and morality. For example, in the poem, the Walrus and the Carpenter invite the oysters for a stroll, and the lines, “The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things,” echo a sense of childlike wonder tinged with underlying darkness. This juxtaposition of innocence and the ominous fate of the oysters reflects the Victorian era's complexities—technological advancements brought about prosperity, yet societal issues such as child labor and moral decay lingered beneath the surface. The whimsical tone is achieved through riddles and nonsensical elements, showcasing Carroll's intent to entertain while also provoking thought about the nature of exploitation and innocence. The line “ oysters, come and walk with us!” highlights the invitation to a world filled with joy, yet ominously presages their eventual demise.

In contrast, O. Henry’s use of language in “The Cop and the Anthem” is steeped in realism and irony, characteristic of a society grappling with rapid urbanization and social disparity. The protagonist, Soapy, embodies the plight of the homeless, with his internal monologue reflecting his desperation. O. Henry writes, “He was a man with a great many vague thoughts, and a very small mind,” which encapsulates Soapy's predicament within the bustling yet indifferent city of New York. The narrative’s urban setting serves as a backdrop for themes of survival and the often ruthless nature of societal progress. Irony permeates the text, particularly when Soapy's schemes to get arrested always remain futile, underscoring the disconnect between personal desire and societal realities.

In summary, while Carroll’s language delights with whimsy and critique beneath surface-level innocence, O. Henry's prose starkly presents the gritty realities of society's changes. The contrasts in their language not only reflect their distinct historical contexts but also the shifting cultural landscapes of England and America during their respective eras. Both authors compel readers to consider the implications of their societies’ transformations, albeit through vastly different stylistic lenses.