In analyzing the language of "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll and "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry, we can see how the authors' surroundings influence their writing styles and themes.
Lewis Carroll wrote "The Walrus and the Carpenter" during Queen Victoria's reign in England. This was a time when the Industrial Revolution was changing the country. People were moving to cities for work, and there were many new inventions. Carroll uses playful language and nonsense, which makes his poem seem light and funny. For example, when he writes about the Walrus and the Carpenter walking along the beach, he says they “wept like anything.” This line shows how the two characters feel emotions that don’t always make sense, just like how the rapid changes in society might confuse people. The playful style reflects a time when many were fascinated by the strange new world around them.
On the other hand, O. Henry wrote "The Cop and the Anthem" in America at the turn of the twentieth century. This was another time of great change, especially in cities like New York. O. Henry's style is witty and clever, filled with a sense of realism. He offers a glimpse of the struggles of the working class. For example, he describes the main character, Soapy, who tries to get arrested so he can stay warm in jail during winter. O. Henry uses detailed descriptions, like when Soapy thinks about how he wants “a good meal and a warm bed.” This shows the hardships many people faced at that time, as they dealt with poverty and the hustle of city life. The language in his story indicates a concern for the human experience, especially in urban environments.
In conclusion, both authors use their unique styles of language to reflect the historical and cultural contexts they were writing in. Carroll’s whimsical tone represents the curiosity and confusion of a society in change, while O. Henry’s realistic approach highlights the struggles of everyday life in a big city. Their works not only entertain but also give us insight into the times they lived in.