They are reviled and rejected and difficult to kill (resilient). Some As the poem evolves, ideas of the cockroaches
imply that they represent Kenya’s indigenous tribes. Thus, the poem are subverted – the speaker almost looks through
the cockroach’s POV
becomes a moving and compelling examination of imperialism.
Metaphor for the colonized people
(Negative View)
Cockroaches
Displays the disruptive effect of the arrival of the
British colonists. creates tension because something is about to be revealed. The speaker is decisive and
Turn on the light certain of what is to be discovered.
and helter-skelter Onomatopoeia → moving chaotically/ confused. Emphasis the pace of the verse and evoke the frantic,
Cockroaches they scuttle hurried scurrying of the insects as they try to find shelter.
SIBILANCE: sound of insects scurrying on the floor (Lit). sound of native people being scared (Fig).
to their dark shelters. Darkness provides safety for the roaches and emphasizes that the colonizer sees the people as
uneducated- they’re left in the dark.
Commanding Cut them off Prevent them from reaching their hideouts by cutting them and their approaches off
tone
from their hideouts to flee to safety.
Creates a block
sense of Rhyme: emphasizes the pace of verse and the frantic hurry of the roaches as they
their many approaches
segregation flee.
and see cockroaches
in hopeless flurry Half Rhyme: speeds up the pace- adds to the feeling of chaos. Gives a sense of
vulnerability/ impatience.
and helpless worry. Full stop creates a pause, allowing imagery and meaning to be processed.
But decidedConjunction+ Volta: shift in perspective creates tension.
who ordained
the crash-fall To suddenly fall, land, or be hit with destructive force.
of sandals Perspective from the eyes of the roach// acknowledge of the roach
on these Timid= reason for them fleeing or scurrying.
shy creatures? Creates a longer pause insisting the reader considers the question. Creates an understandable/
questionable tone
Or Shift in reasoning. Element of reflection – speaker contemplates why roaches are killed in such a harsh manner.
is it their love
of darkness Evil/naughty: seen as being primal.
holds them suspect? “Is it their own fault they’re colonised.”
STRUCTURE: (speeds up pace irregularly- similar to roaches move)
• Free-verse= no formal rhyme scheme (little half rhyme)
• 4 stanzas = vary in length
• Little punctuation (enjambment)- supports fast, urgent pace of
poem
• Creates a frenetic movement
Commanding words. Imperative verb
– shows the speaker is the aggressor and the
roaches are the victims of these harsh words.
Can be intertext with The Tempest
imply that they represent Kenya’s indigenous tribes. Thus, the poem are subverted – the speaker almost looks through
the cockroach’s POV
becomes a moving and compelling examination of imperialism.
Metaphor for the colonized people
(Negative View)
Cockroaches
Displays the disruptive effect of the arrival of the
British colonists. creates tension because something is about to be revealed. The speaker is decisive and
Turn on the light certain of what is to be discovered.
and helter-skelter Onomatopoeia → moving chaotically/ confused. Emphasis the pace of the verse and evoke the frantic,
Cockroaches they scuttle hurried scurrying of the insects as they try to find shelter.
SIBILANCE: sound of insects scurrying on the floor (Lit). sound of native people being scared (Fig).
to their dark shelters. Darkness provides safety for the roaches and emphasizes that the colonizer sees the people as
uneducated- they’re left in the dark.
Commanding Cut them off Prevent them from reaching their hideouts by cutting them and their approaches off
tone
from their hideouts to flee to safety.
Creates a block
sense of Rhyme: emphasizes the pace of verse and the frantic hurry of the roaches as they
their many approaches
segregation flee.
and see cockroaches
in hopeless flurry Half Rhyme: speeds up the pace- adds to the feeling of chaos. Gives a sense of
vulnerability/ impatience.
and helpless worry. Full stop creates a pause, allowing imagery and meaning to be processed.
But decidedConjunction+ Volta: shift in perspective creates tension.
who ordained
the crash-fall To suddenly fall, land, or be hit with destructive force.
of sandals Perspective from the eyes of the roach// acknowledge of the roach
on these Timid= reason for them fleeing or scurrying.
shy creatures? Creates a longer pause insisting the reader considers the question. Creates an understandable/
questionable tone
Or Shift in reasoning. Element of reflection – speaker contemplates why roaches are killed in such a harsh manner.
is it their love
of darkness Evil/naughty: seen as being primal.
holds them suspect? “Is it their own fault they’re colonised.”
STRUCTURE: (speeds up pace irregularly- similar to roaches move)
• Free-verse= no formal rhyme scheme (little half rhyme)
• 4 stanzas = vary in length
• Little punctuation (enjambment)- supports fast, urgent pace of
poem
• Creates a frenetic movement
Commanding words. Imperative verb
– shows the speaker is the aggressor and the
roaches are the victims of these harsh words.
Can be intertext with The Tempest
