Chapter 4, "The Cop and the Anthem," from the Class 7 NCERT English textbook, "Alien Hand": 

Summary:

"The Cop and the Anthem" is a humorous and thought-provoking story that follows the misadventures of Soapy, a homeless man, as he tries to get arrested and spend the winter in a warm jail cell. The story sheds light on the struggles of the homeless and offers a glimpse into Soapy's attempts to escape the harsh reality of life on the streets.

The story is set in New York City during a chilly autumn. Soapy, tired of his homeless existence, devises a plan to get arrested and spend the winter in a comfortable prison cell. He believes that the three-month sentence will provide him with a respite from the cold and hunger.

Soapy's initial attempts to break the law fail comically. He tries everything from loitering and disturbing the peace to breaking windows, but luck doesn't seem to be on his side. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself unsuccessful and still free.

As winter draws nearer and the nights grow colder, Soapy becomes increasingly desperate. He begins to question his approach and contemplate his life choices. One evening, while sitting on a bench in a park, he listens to a church choir singing. The beauty of the music touches him deeply, leading him to have a change of heart.

Soapy realizes that he doesn't want to spend the winter in jail. He wants to change his life and start anew. He decides to find a job and lead a better life, leaving his plans of getting arrested behind.

However, just as he makes this decision, a police officer mistakes his contemplative expression for a sign of distress and arrests him. Soapy's attempts to explain his change of heart fall on deaf ears as he is taken away by the cop.

The story ends on a humorous note, highlighting the irony of Soapy's situation. His plans to escape the hardships of homelessness by getting arrested are finally realized, but not in the way he intended.

Themes:

Irony and Humor: The story employs irony and humor to portray Soapy's attempts at getting arrested and his eventual arrest under unexpected circumstances.

Desperation and Change: Soapy's desperation and subsequent change of heart emphasize the themes of introspection, self-improvement, and the potential for transformation.

Social Realities: The story subtly touches on the challenges faced by the homeless population and the lengths individuals might go to escape those challenges.

"The Cop and the Anthem" offers a mix of humor, irony, and a glimpse into the complexities of human behavior. It encourages readers to reflect on the choices people make when faced with adversity and the potential for unexpected outcomes.