Blackwell’s Prison
Though a prison might bring a picture of confinement to someone’s mind, for Soapy it was the most desirable place in the world. He didn’t think of the fact that he would have to be behind bars or would have limited resources. For him, that place was better than having freedom for he would food and a place to sleep. Prison is painted as a holiday in the mind of Soapy.
Winter
Soapy didn’t judge the onset of winter using a calendar. He would notice the fall of leaves from trees, or the appearance of coats on women in the streets. He didn’t think of Christmas, although winter is often associated with it. He thought of the number of newspapers he had used to add layers to his body and yet couldn’t help but feel cold.
Broadway
Broadway is described as shiny with bright lights and beautiful people walking around in beautiful clothes. These people didn’t have to worry about things as dying of cold and so walked gaily in the streets. It is a very different picture of winter than what Soapy looks at.
Childhood
Soapy experiences an unexpected memory of his childhood when he hears the sound of anthem coming from the church. At once, he could relive his childhood and the reader realizes that Soapy was not always poor. There was a time when there were people who took care of him, when he had means. This is one of the most hopeful scenes from the story where a song could inspire a man like Soapy, whose most desirable thing in the world was three months in jail
