Includes the themes, mood, tone, structure and line-by-line analysis of Cockroaches by Mauri Yambo. This poem is made especially for the Grade 12 IEB students. I am a tutor for students in both IEB and DBE. I have matriculated in 2022 in an IEB school, so the elements needed for an adequate respons...
Cockroaches by Mauri Yambo
Main Idea or Message
Yambo had a degree in politics so this poem could be referencing the political and
social tension between authority and the minority, highlighting the experiences the
minority (people of colour/black) have faced. Cockroaches symbolise resilience and
survival as well as disgust (how the minority where treated).
Line-by-Line Analysis
Stanza 1:
Turn on the light
and helter-skelter
they scutter
to their dark corners
Line 1: The word “Turn” brings attention to the action word (verb) telling us it is a
command- hint of authority here. Alternatively, it could be a POV (point of view)
wherein the person is entering into the room and turning on the light.
Line 2: The sound of the cockroaches (onomatopoeia). The sound they make when
they run away. This sound device puts us in this situation.
Line 3: “Scutter” means they run away hastily, possibly away from danger. Also, a
small animal would scutter away. This brings in the idea of the minority or
marginalized people being scared away or running away from danger (authorities).
Line 4: their hiding spot is referred to as dark which could possibly be analysed
through religious context: running away from the light (Bible).
Stanza Analysis: Everyone has personally experienced turning on the light when
they go into a room and seeing a cockroach running away. The sound device makes
the experience more relatable and personal to the audience so that they understand
what is happening. The imagery created by the command and sound device allows
us to picture the scene unfolding: A bigger person (authority) being scared or
disgusted by the small cockroach (minority). The last line of this stanza shows how
the minority have resorted to staying away from God or the light and continuing their
dark antics. Alternatively, “dark” could be their skin colour and “corners” could be
their kind or rebellion group.
Stanza 2:
Cut them off
from their hideouts
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