In "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll and "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry, the words and style used by each author reflect the times they lived in. Both stories show how much their authors were influenced by events and changes around them.
Lewis Carroll wrote "The Walrus and the Carpenter" during Queen Victoria's reign in England, a period of great progress. This time was marked by the growth of cities and new technologies, which can be seen in the whimsical and playful language Carroll uses. For example, when the Walrus and the Carpenter walk along the beach, they have a fun and curious conversation, showing a carefree attitude that reflects the hope and excitement of that era. The characters represent different sides of society, like the wise Walrus and the foolish Carpenter, and this contrast highlights how people viewed each other during that time.
On the other hand, O. Henry wrote "The Cop and the Anthem" at the beginning of the twentieth century. This was a time when cities like New York were bustling with change and challenges. O. Henry's language is often witty and clever, capturing the fast-paced life of the city. For example, he writes about the cop on the beat and the homeless man, Soapy, who wants to get arrested to spend the winter in a warm jail. This shows how tough life could be for poor people during that time when many were struggling to survive. The humor in O. Henry’s writing also reflects the resilience of people who faced difficult situations.
Overall, the language in both texts tells us a lot about the authors' worlds. Carroll's playful tone mirrors the spirit of growth during Queen Victoria's era, while O. Henry’s sharp and clever phrases capture the hustle and hardships of early 20th-century America. Both stories remind us of the different ways people responded to their environments through humor and imagination, which makes them important pieces of literature to study.