Brooklyn Cop Flashcards
(11 cards)
analyse “less timid”
“timid” has connotations of shy, quiet and anxious. By saying the cop is “less timid” than a gorilla, which is not at all shy or quiet, it suggests the cop is particularly aggressive and intimidating.
analyse “plunge”
“plunge”- has connotations of immersed or fully committed which suggests the cop immediately takes action and gets involved in the violence on the streets.
analyse “nightstick”- has connotations of violence and instilling fear which suggests that the cop being armed with such a threatening weapon makes him even more scary.
“nightstick”- has connotations of violence and instilling fear which suggests that the cop being armed with such a threatening weapon makes him even more scary.
analyse “victims”
“victims”- has connotations of helplessness and innocence which suggests those that encounter the cop deserve sympathy as they are being treated badly possibly for no reason.
analyse “no cliché”
“cliche” has connotations of something which is overused to the point of being meaningless. By saying that the cop getting to greet his wife is something which is “no cliche”, and is precious every time, MacCaig emphasises the dangerous aspect of the cop’s job and the likelihood that he might not come home from work at the end of the day.
Analyse “Built like a gorilla”
This simile compares the cop to a gorilla, suggesting he is physically powerful and intimidating. Just as gorillas are known for their strength and imposing presence, the cop is portrayed as big, strong, and threatening, creating a sense of fear.
Analyse “Two hieroglyphs on his face that mean/ trouble”
This metaphor compares the cop’s eyes to hieroglyphs. Like ancient Egyptian writing that’s difficult to decipher, his eyes are portrayed as emotionless and unreadable. This suggests the cop is hard to understand and his intentions are unclear.
Analyse “The thin tissue over violence”
This metaphor compares the boundary between peace and violence to a thin tissue. Since tissue is delicate and easily torn, it suggests that violence in the city is barely contained and can erupt at any moment. This implies violence is a regular occurrence in the city.
Analyse “He hoped it, he truly hoped it”
This uses repetition of “hoped.” The technique emphasises the cop’s deep desire to return home safely to his wife, highlighting the dangerous nature of his profession and his awareness of the risks he faces daily.
Analyse “Whose home is a place/ he might, this time, never get back to?”
This line uses parenthesis (“this time”) emphasising the uncertainty of each shift.
The rhetorical question makes readers consider the dangers of police work.
The combined effect creates sympathy for the cop’s daily risk of death in the line of duty.
Analyse “And who would be who have to be/ his victims?”
This line uses rhetorical question to make readers question the cop’s treatment of others.
The enjambment emphasises “victims” as the final word.
The effect suggests the cop may cause more harm than good, highlighting the contradictory nature of his role as both protector and potential aggressor.
