Brooklyn Cop Flashcards
“with two hieroglyphs in his face that mean trouble”
Metaphor
Just as “hieroglyphs” are hard to read and understand so too is the cop. This forces the reader to consider that not many people are able to understand the hard job he has to do and that he has to almost shut down his feelings in order to pursue it
The word choice of “mean trouble” suggest a lack of inner emotion, highlighting how intimidating he looks
“thin tissue over violence”
Just as a “tissue” is flimsy and easy to break so too is the thing stopping violence from breaking out. This highlights that danger could break out at any moment and that he lives a dangerous life therefore has to be cautious constantly
” “See you, babe” to his wife, he hoped it, he truly hoped it”
This highlights to the reader that the cop has a softer side despite the brutality he has to face at work. The reader is now aware of a personal part of his life making him seem real and humanizing him.
Repetition of “hoped” emphasises that he has something to live for and has a incentive to survive to reunited with her. Also suggests he has a vulnerable side
“whose home is a place he might, this time, never get back to?”
Word choice of “this time” emphasises the dangers he faces daily and that there is a real possibility of him never returning home.
“Built like a gorilla but less timid”
Simile of “built like a gorilla”
Just as a “gorilla” is massive and intimidating, so too is the cop. This highlights that not only is he not easy to break but he can also easily break things.
Word choice of “less timid” emphasises his aggressiveness. A gorilla is usually perceived as intimidating and short tempered but the cop is said to be less timid than a gorilla. This highlights to the reader that he is extremely easy to make lash out and always on edge.
“Thick-fleshed, streak coloured”
“Thick-fleshed, steak coloured”
Metaphor
Just as a “steak” is grey and lifeless so too is the cop. This conveys that he is almost made emotionless due to his difficult job and has to put aside his feelings in order to keep moving onwards.
Word choice of “thick-fleshed” highlights that the cop isn’t affected by his surroundings and not many things can actually harm him. He is strong and not easy to break.
“between Phoebe’s Whamburger and Louie’s Place”
These places are real places which forces the reader to consider the reality of his situation as a cop and the struggles and traumas he faces. The fact that there is clubbings and gunshots at each of these places highlights that no matter how hard he tries he can’t be everywhere to stop all the violence breaking out as he is only one person. Could also highlight the unrealistic expectations of his as a cop.
“Who would be him”
Word choice of “who” forces the reader to consider that if the cop didn’t do his job who would? It is a difficult and undesirable job that no one wants to carry out so conveys that he is brave for doing so. Puts the reader in the position of the cops reality.
“And who would be who have to be his victims?”
Word choice of “victims” has connotations of innocence and being hurt. This forces the reader to consider that if he dies his wife is left alone with no protection and no husband. It puts the reader in his perspective of would you put yourself in his position risking leaving your wife?
