Analyzing "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 reflect the time periods in which they were written, capturing the societal changes and cultural elements of their respective eras. Carroll wrote during Queen Victoria's reign in England, a period marked by industrialization and advancements in technology, while O. Henry's work comes from the turn of the twentieth century in New York City, a time of rapid growth and urbanization.
In "The Walrus and the Carpenter," Carroll uses playful and whimsical language to create a fantastical world. The poem illustrates an encounter between the Walrus, the Carpenter, and a group of unsuspecting oysters. The way Carroll describes the Walrus as "a very kind of creature," shows a blend of humor and absurdity characteristic of the Victorian era's fascination with imagination and storytelling. This was a time when literature often blurred the lines between reality and fantasy, allowing readers to escape the often harsh realities of life during industrial growth. The playful rhythm and rhyme of the poem also reflect the Victorian love for poetry and its musical quality.
In contrast, O. Henry's "The Cop and the Anthem" reflects the gritty and bustling urban life of New York City at the turn of the century. The language in this story is sharper and more cynical, filled with realistic dialogue that captures the struggles of the main character, Soapy, a homeless man trying to survive on the streets. O. Henry writes, “He was a man who had made up his mind to be homeless,” which speaks to the harsh realities many faced during a time when cities were overcrowded, and poverty was widespread. Unlike Carroll's whimsical story, O. Henry's narrative shows a more serious side of society, revealing how industrialization did not come without its negative effects, such as unemployment and homelessness.
Both authors use language to express their views on the world around them. Carroll’s playful tone reflects the Victorian emphasis on imagination and creativity, while O. Henry uses a more straightforward and realistic style to address the societal issues arising from urbanization. By looking at the language and themes in both texts, we see how they serve as reflections of the cultural and historical contexts in which they were created, revealing the complexities of life in their times.
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