The Cop and the Anthem

Written in 1904 by O. Henry, “The Cop and the Anthem” introduces the reader to Soapy, a former prison inmate struggling to find his footing as a free man. The story takes place at the turn of the 20th century during what was known as the Progressive Era—a time of great business expansion and social reform. O. Henry was one of many pen names used by American writer William Sydney Porter; he adopted it while he himself was incarcerated for bank embezzlement. Like many of O. Henry’s works, “The Cop and the Anthem” contains elements of irony and humor as well as lessons about social class and the definition of freedom.

“The Cop and the Anthem” has been adapted into various skits, plays, and even movies throughout the years. In 1917, a silent, black-and-white short film based on the story debuted as the fifth release in the Broadway Star “O. Henry Stories” series. Another short film emerged in 1982, and Marc Bucci crafted a one-act play based on the story in 1972.

This guide references a version of “The Cop and the Anthem” edited by the US State Department to be accessible to ESL learners.