What type of figurative language is used in the phrase 'deafening silence' from 'The Cop and the Anthem'?(2 points) Responses Euphemism Euphemism Hyperbole Hyperbole Oxymoron Oxymoron Personification

11 answers

The phrase 'deafening silence' is an example of Oxymoron. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. In this case, "deafening" implies loudness while "silence" represents the absence of sound, creating a striking contrast.

Which of these best describes the mood in 'The Walrus and the Carpenter'?(2 points) Responses Whimsical and playful Whimsical and playful Melancholic and somber Melancholic and somber Suspenseful and tense Suspenseful and tense Serious and solemn

The mood in 'The Walrus and the Carpenter' is best described as Whimsical and playful. The poem contains elements of humor, fantasy, and absurdity, contributing to a lighthearted and whimsical atmosphere despite the darker themes present in the narrative.

Question What might the young oysters represent in 'The Walrus and the Carpenter'?(2 points) Responses The resilience of the downtrodden in the face of exploitation. The resilience of the downtrodden in the face of exploitation. The innocence and purity of childhood. The innocence and purity of childhood. The naïve and trusting nature of the common people. The naïve and trusting nature of the common people. The corrupting influence of the upper class on the working class.

In 'The Walrus and the Carpenter,' the young oysters might represent The naïve and trusting nature of the common people. The oysters display innocence and a willingness to follow the Walrus and the Carpenter, reflecting how unsuspecting individuals can be vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by those in power.

Soapy considers Blackwell's Island to be a pleasant vacation spot.(2 points) Responses False False True

False. Soapy does not consider Blackwell's Island to be a pleasant vacation spot. In "The Cop and the Anthem," he views it as a harsh and undesirable place, showing his desperation for a warm place to stay during the winter rather than a vacation.

What is the main difference between the settings of the two stories?(2 points) Responses One is set in a Victorian-era England, the other in early 20th century New York One is set in a Victorian-era England, the other in early 20th century New York One is set in a prison, the other on a beach One is set in a prison, the other on a beach One is set in the past, the other in the present One is set in the past, the other in the present One is set in a coastal town, the other in a city

The main difference between the settings of the two stories is that One is set in a Victorian-era England, the other in early 20th century New York. "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll is set in a whimsical coastal environment, characteristic of a Victorian-era setting, while "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry takes place in the urban landscape of early 20th century New York City.

In The Cop and the Anthem, how does O. Henry use irony to develop the theme of Soapy’s attempts to get arrested? Provide examples from the text to explain irony's role in shaping the story's tone

In "The Cop and the Anthem," O. Henry masterfully employs irony to highlight Soapy's misguided attempts to get arrested, ultimately shaping the story's tone and enriching its themes of desperation and the human condition.

Examples of Irony:

  1. Soapy's Desire for Arrest: Soapy believes that if he acts like a troublemaker, he will be arrested and sent to a warm prison. However, each of his attempts to provoke a police response fails. For instance, he tries to break a window, but no one is around to witness it. He attempts to sit in a café without ordering, but instead of being arrested, he is simply asked to leave. This situational irony emphasizes Soapy's inability to achieve his goal despite his earnest efforts. The absurdity of his situation creates a humorous yet tragic tone, reinforcing the theme of desperation in his search for comfort.

  2. Soapy's Success at the End: In a twist of irony, just as Soapy contemplates a more respectable life outside of criminal behavior when he hears a beautiful church anthem, he finally finds his chance to be arrested. He decides to give up on his plan and seeks a more honorable existence. Yet, at that moment of change, he is grabbed by a policeman for loitering, which ironically brings him the very outcome he had been seeking throughout the story. This irony underscores the unpredictability of life and the idea that one often gets what they least expect.

  3. The Contrast of Soapy's Dreams vs. Reality: Soapy envisions prison as a sanctuary from the cold, a warm place with food and shelter. However, O. Henry presents prison as a grim reality that contrasts with Soapy's romanticized view. This irony reflects the harsh truth of societal conditions, emphasizing a tone of sarcasm about the idealization of prison as a refuge. The story criticizes the underlying societal issues that lead to such desperation, as Soapy's attempts to escape his circumstances lead him back to the very system he seeks to escape.

Conclusion:

Through irony, O. Henry develops a tone that oscillates between humor and poignancy, illustrating the futility of Soapy's actions and the complexities of the human experience. The irony inherent in Soapy's situation serves as a critical commentary on society, revealing deeper themes of longing, disillusionment, and the struggle for survival.