Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- "The Cop and the Anthem" was published over a hundred years ago. Do you think it's still relevant? Why or why not? Do you think this book should be taught in school still? Why or why not? Pretend you are the teacher trying to convince the principal that your students should or shouldn't read this. What would your argument look like?
- Do you think Soapy will be able to change his life? Why or why not? Have you ever seen someone change dramatically, or have you yourself ever changed dramatically? Was the change for the better or the worse? What was responsible for the change? Was it temporary, permanent, somewhere in between?
- Looks like Soapy will be spending three months in jail. What can he do while in jail to help him meet his newfound goals?
- Could this story unintentionally contribute to negative stereotypes about homeless people, or people in who repeatedly go to jail? Why or why not?
- Do you think Soapy is, or could be, a "good" person? (To answer this question, you first need to decide what your criteria for being a good person is.)
- Toward the end of the story we learn that Soapy used to be a religious person and seems to want to be one again. What could have made Soapy forget about religion? Do you think the story argues that religion is an important part of life? Do you agree or disagree?
- Soapy is inspired to change his life by a piece of music. Has a piece of art ever inspired you to do something? Explain your answer.
- O. Henry really became popular after his death, after World War I. Why do you think this is? Don't know enough about life during World War I to answer? Don't worry, just click here. We've got you covered.
- Does this story make you want to read more O. Henry? Why or why not?
- Soapy is the only character with a name. What effect does this have on you as a reader?