William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American writer known for his short stories. The story "The Cop and the Anthem" follows a homeless man named Soapy who wants to get arrested and sent to jail for the winter. Soapy tries various methods to get arrested like loitering, stealing, and causing disturbances but fails each time. Frustrated by his failed plans, Soapy decides to make an honest life for himself instead of continuing to try to get arrested.