CLASS VII ENGLISH CHAPTER 4 COP AND THE ANTHEM

THE COP AND THE ANTHEM - MEANING OF THE TITLE

The anthem is the music being played by the organist inside the little church. There is supposed to be an ironic contrast between the two. The cop is Soapy's nemesis and represents the law, while the anthem represents Soapy's better nature and his desire to reform himself and lead a better life in a dignified manner.

Q1. What are some of the signs of approaching winter referred to in the text?

Ans. The signs of the approaching winter are the movement of birds to warm south, the woollens needed by people and the dead leaves covering the ground.

Q2. What was Soapy’s first plan? Why did it not work?

Ans. He would go to eat at restaurant and would then tell them he had no money. They would immediately call a cop who would arrest him. But as soon as he put his foot inside the restaurant, the waiters blocked his entry. Thus his first plan did not work.

Q3. “But the cop’s mind would not consider Soapy”. What did the cop not consider, and why?

Ans. The policeman did not believe that Soapy had broken the window glass. The reason was that no such criminal would stop and talk to a policeman.

Q4. “We have orders to let them shout.” What is the policeman referring to?

Ans. The policeman means to say that he had got orders not to arrest the unruly and shouting college students.

Q5. “There was a sudden and wonderful change in his soul”. What brought about the change on Soapy?

Ans. The sight of the home where Soapy had spent his childhood suddenly changed his outlook. The old memories of his mother and the sweet music revived his love for a decent life. He decided to work and become somebody in life.

Q6. Suppose no cop came at the end. What would Soapy’s life be like through the winter?

Ans. In case Soapy was not arrested and sent to prison he would have started a new life. He might have taken up some job and lived like a normal gentleman. But through the winter he might have faced the icy winds.

Q7. Retell an episode in the story which is a good example of irony in a situation.

Ans. Soapy was keen to be sent to prison for the three cold months. He made several attempts to get arrested. But none of his plans worked. Finally, when he decided to live a decent life honestly, he was arrested. Such an episode is ironical.