Short Fiction · Chapter
The Badge of Policeman O’Roon explained
Ellsworth Remsen, a wealthy Knickerbocker, helps his war comrade O'Roon secure a job as a mounted policeman.
What happens
Ellsworth Remsen, a wealthy Knickerbocker, helps his war comrade O'Roon secure a job as a mounted policeman. When O'Roon gets drunk before duty, Remsen impersonates him and ends up rescuing a beautiful woman and her father from a runaway carriage. Though he falls in love at first sight, Remsen sacrifices his own identity to protect O'Roon's honor, only to later learn O'Roon is actually the son of an earl and the woman is his sister.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Remsen impersonates O'Roon, hiding his true identity as a wealthy Knickerbocker to protect his friend's job and honor.
Love and Romance
Remsen experiences love at first sight with Lady Angela, but his sense of duty prevents him from revealing his true self.
Social Class and Wealth
Remsen's ten-million-dollar fortune and Knickerbocker descent contrast with his temporary role as a policeman, highlighting class dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator tells the story of love at first sight, the Gentle Riders, and Remsen's impersonation of O'Roon.
- Billy Keogh
Not present in this chapter.
Key passages
“It cannot be denied that men and women have looked upon one another for the first time and become instantly enamored.”
Love at first sight is a real phenomenon.
Opening statement setting up the romantic theme.
“I’m stewed, Remsen. Why do they build hotels that go round and round like catherine wheels? They’ll take away my shield and break me.”
O'Roon is drunk and fears losing his job as a policeman.
O'Roon's drunkenness leads to Remsen's impersonation plan.
“You see Mounted Policeman O’Roon. Look at your face—no; you can’t do that without a glass—but look at mine, and think of yours. How much alike are we? As two French table d’hôte dinners.”
Remsen convinces O'Roon that they look alike enough for him to impersonate him.
Remsen's plan to take O'Roon's place on duty.
“Don’t mention it. We policemen are paid to do these things. It’s our duty.”
Remsen, as O'Roon, downplays his heroic rescue.
Remsen sacrifices his chance to reveal his true identity to the lady.
“Good old Remsen, I know all about it. They trailed me down and cornered me here two hours ago. There was a little row at home, you know, and I cut sticks just to show them. I don’t believe I told you that my Governor was the Earl of Ardsley.”
O'Roon reveals he is actually the son of an earl and that the woman Remsen rescued is his sister.
The twist revealing O'Roon's true aristocratic background.