Brooklyn Cop Quotes Flashcards
“Like a gorilla”
(Simile) Just as a gorilla is a fearsome and strong animal, so too is the cop an intimidating and powerful man. This is effective because it shows us that the police officer is a scary and tough individual.
“Thick-fleshed”
The word choice of “thick-fleshed” has connotations of being muscular and tough. This is effective because it shows the physical strength that the police officer requires to get his job done effectively.
“Less timid”
the word choice of “timid” has connotations of being fearful and nervous. This is effective because it shows that, compared with the police officer, gorillas come across as anxious which emphasises our impression of the cop as fearless. This is also a humorous comparison because gorillas are far from timid.
“Steak-coloured”
The word choice of “steak-coloured” suggests that the Brooklyn cop has a red, weather-beaten face, suggesting he is out in all weathers, exposed to the elements. The colour red also has connotations of anger which may hint to the violence the cop sometimes has to commit to control criminals
“Two hieroglyphs”
(Metaphor) Just as hieroglyphs are part of an ancient Egyptian language that is impossible for us to understand, so too are the police officer’s eyes unreadable. You can normally learn a lot about a person through their eyes but with the cop there is no way of knowing what he is thinking/feeling, which makes him seem intimidating.
“Mean trouble”
Connotations of disorder and violence. This suggests that, although his expressions are difficult to read, the public are well aware that they do not want to get on the wrong side of the officer.
“Thin tissue”
(Metaphor) Here the barrier between civilised behaviour and violence is compared to a tissue. Just as “tissue” is delicate and easily ripped, so too is order on the streets fragile and violence can break through at any time. This is effective because it shows the difficulty of the police officer’s job as he must try to protect the peace but could be thrust into a dangerous situation at any time.
“See you, babe”
The word choice of “babe” has connotations of tenderness and affection. This is effective because it shows the love that the Brooklyn cop has for his family, contrasting with his tough and violent job. MacCaig uses language here to humanise the Brooklyn cop and show him as a man with loved ones, just like the rest of us.
“He hoped it, he truly hoped it”
The repetition of “hoped it” emphasises how much the Brooklyn cop longs to return home and see his wife, but shows that he is not certain that he will. This is effective because it emphasises how dangerous police work is and humanises the cop by showing his fears.
“He is a gorilla” (the second time)
The repetition of imagery comparing Brooklyn cop to a gorilla emphasises the similarity. It further highlights his impressive size and toughness. This is effective as it once again shows the Brooklyn cop’s intimidating appearance and personality.
“No cliché”
The word choice of “cliché” has connotations of being empty, repeated and meaningless. This is effective because the word “no” shows that the police officer’s use of “Hiya, honey”, which usually is a clichéd greeting, is heartfelt and genuine. He knows that he cannot take it for granted that he will see his wife again when he leaves for work, showing how unpredictable and dangerous his job is.
“Tissue tear”
The word choice of “tear” has connotations of sudden and aggressive destruction. The is effective because it shows how quickly and violently peace on the streets can be broken. It further emphasises the dangers of the Brooklyn cop’s job.
“Plunge”
the word “plunge” has connotations of a quick and uncontrolled fall. This shows how abruptly the Brooklyn cop can be thrust into a violent situation, and how little say or control he has over this. This is effective because it shows how fragile the peace on the streets is and emphasises how there is always the potential for the cop to become involved in a dangerous situation.
“What”
The repetition of the word emphasises uncertainty over what form the violence on the streets may take. This is effective because it shows the endless possibilities for dangers and aggression and further highlights the risks that the police officer is taking in his job.
“What clubbing, what gunshots”
The word choice of “clubbings” and “gunshots” have connotations of aggression and police violence, as they reflect the weapons that police officers carry in America. This suggests that ambiguity over who is committing the violence, as it could be the Brooklyn cop as much as it could be the criminals with whom he is interacting. This is effective because it shows the universal nature of violence on the streets of Brooklyn.
