Brooklyn cop

Summary of the Poem:

Norman MacCaig's "Brooklyn Cop," published in his 1968 collection "Rings on a Tree," delves into the life and psyche of an unnamed Brooklyn police officer. The poem is inspired by MacCaig's visit to New York, specifically Brooklyn, a borough known for its tough and dangerous reputation. At the time of writing, police behaviour in the United States was under international scrutiny, particularly in response to civil rights protests and demonstrations.

The Inspiration for the Poem:

"Brooklyn Cop" draws inspiration from Norman MacCaig's visit to New York City, particularly Brooklyn, which was notorious for its high crime rates and dangerous environment at the time. The poem also reflects the global scrutiny of American police behaviour during the era, as incidents of brutality and violence against civil rights protesters were widely publicized. MacCaig's firsthand experiences in New York and his observations of the tough, urban setting provided the backdrop for this powerful poem. It serves as a commentary on the challenges faced by police officers working in such an environment and the impact of violence on both the cop and society.

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Poetry

The Form of the Poem:

1. The poem consists of four stanzas with varying line lengths.

2. Stanza One opens with a vivid description of the cop's physical appearance.

3. Stanza Two explores the constant threat of violence in the cop's world.

4. Stanza Three presents reflective questions about the cop's life.

5. Stanza Four closes the poem with a final contemplative question.

Summary of each stanza:

Stanza One:

In the first stanza, the poet describes the physical appearance of the Brooklyn cop, likening him to a gorilla. This comparison highlights the cop's imposing and potentially intimidating presence. While the cop is depicted as tough and strong, the use of the phrase 'less timid' suggests a degree of bravery. The stanza ends by revealing a more human side of the cop when he speaks affectionately to his wife.

Stanza Two:

Stanza two explores the fragility of peace in the cop's world. It points a vivid image of the thin tissue that separates the cop from violence, implying that chaos can erupt rapidly. The stanza lists various scenarios of potential violence, such as "clubbings" and "gunshots," which underscores the constant danger in the cop's environment.

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Poetry

Stanza Three:

The third stanza consists of a rhetorical question that asks the reader to imagine being in the cop's shoes. It challenges the reader to consider the cop's vulnerability and the undesirable challenges he faces. The cop's use of a nightstick as a weapon is mentioned, emphasising his role as an authority figure.

Stanza Four:

The final stanza also features a rhetorical question, but it focuses on the potential victims of the cop's actions. It prompts reflection on the cop's dual role in society, where he can be both a protector and a source of violence. The stanza highlights the fine line between maintaining civilization and descending into savagery.

Themes:

The Dual Nature of the Cop:

The poem delves into the contradictory nature of the Brooklyn cop. While he is portrayed as an imposing figure akin to a gorilla, he also exhibits vulnerability and human emotions. The cop's use of endearing terms like "Hiya, honey" and his genuine hope to return home each day highlight his human side. This theme is reinforced through MacCaig's imagery and word choice, emphasising the complexity of the cop's character.

"Built like a gorilla but less timid, thick fleshed, steak coloured."

The Fragility of Civilization:

The poem explores the delicate balance between civilization and violence. The metaphor of the "thin tissue over violence" suggests that peace is fragile, and chaos can erupt at any moment. The cop's job is portrayed as a constant struggle to prevent this "thin tissue of civilisation" from tearing open into disorder.

"he walks the sidewalk and the thin tissue over violence."

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Poetry

Images:

Gorilla-like Cop:

The poem paints a vivid image of the Brooklyn cop as being built like a gorilla. This image reflects his physicality, highlighting his imposing and potentially intimidating presence.

"Built like a gorilla but less timid."

Hieroglyphic Eyes:

The metaphor of the cop's eyes as two hieroglyphs that mean trouble creates an image of inscrutability. It suggests that the cop's emotions are concealed, and his facial expression hints at a history of violence and hardship.

"two hieroglyphs in his face that mean trouble."

Style Techniques:

Repetition:

The poem employs repetition for emphasis. The repetition of the phrase "hoped it" in the line "he hoped it, he truly hoped it" underscores the cop's genuine desire for a safe return home, highlighting his vulnerability amidst the dangers of his job.

Rhetorical Questions:

The use of rhetorical questions challenges the reader's perspective and encourages reflection. The questions in the third and fourth stanzas prompt readers to consider the cop's role and the potential consequences of his actions, deepening the thematic exploration.

"Who would be him, gorilla with a nightstick..."

Language Techniques:

Metaphor:

The cop is metaphorically described as a gorilla. This metaphor creates a powerful and vivid image, portraying the cop as both physically formidable and potentially aggressive.

Word Choice:

The choice of words, such as "nightstick", "clubbings", "gunshots", and "Wham", evokes a sense of violence and danger. The words used in the poem contribute to the portrayal of the cop's challenging and perilous environment.

Norman MacCaig's "Brooklyn Cop" skillfully explores the multifaceted nature of a police officer in a tough urban environment, the fragility of civilization, and the complexity of human emotions in the face of violence. The poem's vivid imagery, style techniques, and language choices effectively convey these themes, making it a thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers.

Personal Reflection

1. How does the portrayal of the Brooklyn cop as both intimidating and vulnerable challenge your perception of law enforcement and the individuals behind the uniform?

2. What emotions does the poem evoke in you, and how do these emotions shape your understanding of the fine line between civilization and violence in the modern world?

3. In what ways does "Brooklyn Cop" make you reconsider the societal complexities surrounding the use of force by authorities and the impact of a violent environment on individuals and communities?