24 pages 48 minutes read

O. Henry

The Cop and the Anthem

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1904

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

Is “The Cop and the Anthem” a comedic piece? What role does humor play in the story?

2.

Analyze the ways in which O. Henry characterizes Soapy (his name, his nonviolent nature, his sense of himself as a “gentleman,” etc.). Why is this important in conveying O. Henry’s message?

3.

How does O. Henry use imagery to convey the realities of life as an unhoused person in turn-of-the-century New York City?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 24 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools