Brooklyn Cop: Theme; Power

Brooklyn Cop: Theme; Power

‘Brooklyn Cop’: Theme - Power

Power and Authority

• The theme of power is primarily embodied in the character of the Brooklyn Cop himself, a figure central to the poem.
• MacCaig portrays the cop as physically massive, metaphorically larger than life, symbolising the significant authority and control he wields.

Influence of Power

• Wielding power influences the protagonist, shaping his mindset, actions, and interactions.
• The cop’s power is evident in his willingness to face danger and his readiness to use force to maintain law and order, indicating the burden and responsibility that come with it.

Power and Humanity

• Despite his imposing physicality and substantial power, the cop is layered with humanity - a connection to home, anxiety about his safety which reveals vulnerability.
• The theme of power is therefore explored not only through its exercise but also through its impact on the individual wielding it.

Power and Violence

• The theme of power is interwoven with the theme of violence. MacCaig presents the cop’s power as potentially destructive, played out in the harsh urban environment of Brooklyn.
• Stark imagery like “blood pulses” and “thick-fleshed” reinforce this potential for violence and the inherent danger associated with his role.

Summary

• In ‘Brooklyn Cop’, MacCaig presents a complex exploration of power in the figure of a city policeman. This power manifests not only in physical strength and authority but also in how it influences the cop’s mindset and life. The poem complicates the understanding of power by highlighting its burdens, its potential for violence, and its impact on individual humanity.