**Spoiler Alert**
McCann's use of imagery provides images of the impoverished conditions of the Bronx. Corrigan's older brother, who is the narrator of book one, never neglects the run down streets. He mentions, "Traffic lights were stuck on permanent red. At fire hydrants there were huge puddles of stagnant water...A burned neon sign stood upright"(48). The funny thing is initially Corrigan never wanted to go to the slums of New York, he thought they would be too sophisticated for his purpose as a monk. However as I read on it is clear life is not easy in the decaying city surrounding the brothers. Besides the actual place, McCann notes the danger of the people. Corrigan often mentions having run-ins with the pimps just because he lets the prostitutes use the bathroom in the apartment. Also his older brother, mentions malevolent men standing in the doorways of the bodegas and a man in Corrigan's building who is teaching his dog how to bite and almost attacks him. In the end, the Bronx itself is its own damaged character which adds to the story of the two brothers.
The older brother moved to the Bronx with very little, in a rush to get away from the war in Ireland. However he finds himself living in an impoverished area in the city and he's worried about his brother. Initially he's worried about Corrigan using smack but instead he learns Corrigan's got TTP. I really feel bad for the older brother, he left Ireland seeking refuge in the Bronx trying to get away from the horrors of the war. Conversely, the poor guy finds himself with more problems.
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