‘Brooklyn Cop: Overview’

‘Brooklyn Cop’ paints a portrait of a typical American policeman working the night shift in Brooklyn, New York. MacCaig explores the complexity of the cop’s character and ultimately questions the blurred lines between civilisation and savagery.

The poem commences with a tone of brutality and aggression as MacCaig describes the cop’s physicality and the dangerous aspects of his job.
Gradually, the tone shifts to tenderness and humanity as MacCaig discloses the cop’s domestic side and his genuine care for society.

The cop is initially depicted as strong and intimidating – “built like a gorilla” and “thick-fleshed”. Yet, he is also shown to be sensitive and caring – suggested by “his wife’s dumb hope”.
MacCaig illustrates a complex portrayal of the cop, showing that he is not just a law enforcer but also a man with feelings and fears.

The setting primarily is the harsh and volatile streets of Brooklyn.
The danger and unpredictability of the streets reflect the constant turmoil and stress that come with the cop’s job.

The repetition of the phrase “What should they know of you?” suggests the public’s misunderstanding or ignorance of the cop’s arduous and emotionally draining profession.
The concept of “two sides” is central to the poem – the tough exterior required for the job versus the cop’s interior life, and the line between upholding the law and becoming as savage as those he seeks to contain.

The poem delves into themes like the duality of human nature, the thin line between civilisation and savagery, and the humanising aspects of law enforcement.
It also prompts discussions about public perception of the police, internal conflict, and the often unrecognised bravery of people who work to maintain public safety.

‘Brooklyn Cop’ by Norman MacCaig presents the life of a Brooklyn policeman, revealing both his intimidating exterior and his human fear and sensitivity. The cop in question embodies a seeming paradox – he is an enforcer of civilised codes of behaviour, yet his work sometimes requires a primal, almost savage response. Delicately tracing the boundaries of civilised society and raw animalistic impulse, and exploring themes of dual nature, MacCaig provides a nuanced and compelling portrait of a figure often seen in one-dimensional terms.