Brooklyn Cop: Theme; The Relationship of Man to the Natural World

Brooklyn Cop: Theme; The Relationship of Man to the Natural World

‘Brooklyn Cop’: Theme; The Relationship of Man to the Natural World

Overview

• ‘Brooklyn Cop’ by Norman MacCaig presents a stark exploration into the humanity of an NYPD officer amidst the harsh realities of his urban environment.

Theme and Interpretation

• The theme here revolves around the imagined dichotomy between the natural world and the man-made, urban landscape.
• This is observed through the cop’s behaviour and attitude - he is pictured as a force of nature in an artificial world.

Use of Imagery

• MacCaig uses juxtaposing images to blur the lines between the natural world and human constructs.
• Descriptions such as the cop as a “gorilla” liken the cop’s physicality to a powerful, primal creature, boldly linking him to the animal kingdom.

Symbolism

• The cop’s car - a mechanical, man-made entity - is referred to as his “burrow”, subtly referencing the natural habitats of animals.
• This symbolism widens the gap between man and nature, albeit in an urban, human context.

Metaphor

• MacCaig employs the metaphor of a “wounded animal” for the cop who was hurt in the line of duty.
• This metaphor further emphasises the disjointment between the world of man and the world of nature.

Summary

• ‘Brooklyn Cop’, through the vivid portrayal of an NYPD officer, manifests the theme of man’s relationship with the natural world. MacCaig cleverly uses imagery, symbolism, and metaphors, drawing parallels between human endeavours and elements of the natural world. The result is a powerful insight into how a human being - the cop - may operate within and draw upon the instincts and traits that connect him to the wider natural world.