Remembering
What was Soapy’s main goal at the beginning of the story?
To get arrested and spend three months in prison.
Why did Soapy want to go to prison for the winter?
He wanted food, shelter, and warmth during the cold months.
What could Soapy have done differently to avoid wanting to go to prison?
He could have looked for a job or found another way to survive the winter.
Why do you think Soapy didn’t run away after breaking the window?
He wanted the policeman to arrest him, so running away would defeat his purpose.
What does Soapy’s persistence in trying to get arrested suggest about his character?
He is determined, even if his goals are misguided.
Where was Soapy sitting at the start of the story?
On a seat in Madison Square.
Why did the first restaurant refuse to serve Soapy?
The waiter saw his dirty trousers and shoes.
How would you feel if you were Soapy, trying multiple times to get arrested but failing?
[Accept a range of personal answers.]
Why did Soapy’s attempts to get arrested fail in the beginning?
The policemen and others didn’t take him seriously or misinterpreted his actions.
Why might Soapy feel that prison is a better place than being free?
Prison offers him warmth, food, and shelter, which he lacks in his free life.
What did Soapy try to do at the restaurant on Broadway?
He tried to get a meal without paying, hoping to be arrested.
Why did the policeman not arrest Soapy when he broke the window?
The policeman thought that someone who breaks a window would run away, not stay at the scene.
Imagine Soapy was successful in getting arrested early in the story. How might his winter have been different?
He would have been in prison with food, warmth, and shelter much sooner.
What does the fact that Soapy wanted to go to prison tell us about his life outside prison?
His life outside was difficult and miserable, with no shelter or comfort.
Why do you think Soapy changed his mind about wanting to go to prison after seeing the church?
The church reminded him of a better time in his life, sparking a desire to change.
What did Soapy break to get the policeman's attention?
A shop window.
How did the young woman react when Soapy tried to get her to call a policeman?
She happily agreed to go with him, thinking he was inviting her out.
What could Soapy have done instead of trying to get arrested to improve his situation?
He could have sought help from a shelter or a social service organization.
How did Soapy’s attitude change after seeing the church?
He became reflective and decided he wanted to improve his life instead of seeking prison.
What does the story suggest about Soapy’s potential for change?
He has the ability to change, but external circumstances and timing affect his success.
Where did Soapy decide to change his life?
In front of a beautiful old church.
What did Soapy realize while looking at the church?
He realized he wanted to change his life and become a better person.
If Soapy had succeeded in getting arrested, would he still have changed his life? Why or why not?
Probably not, because his realization of wanting to change only happened after his failures.
What is ironic about Soapy’s arrest at the end of the story?
He was arrested just after deciding to turn his life around and not commit any crimes.
Why do you think the policeman arrested Soapy at the end when he wasn’t doing anything wrong?
The policeman might have found Soapy suspicious, or it was just bad luck for Soapy.