Cockroaches - Poem Analysis

Summary

In this video, the poem 'Cockroaches' by Mari yam is explored, using the insect as an allegory for the oppressed, particularly highlighting the plight of Kenyans under British colonial rule. The poem's vivid imagery and commanding language emphasize the violent and invasive nature of colonialism. The speaker's shift from commanding to questioning prompts reflection on the morality of such actions, challenging viewers to consider the humanity of those deemed 'suspect' due to their love of darkness, which in the figurative sense represents the oppression and suspicion faced by the colonized.

Takeaways

• 📜 The poem 'Cockroaches' by Mari yam is a powerful piece of literature that uses the insect as a metaphor for a deeper social and political commentary.
• 🌍 The poet's background is significant; born in Kenya in 1947, during the period of British colonization, which ended with independence in 1963.
• 🐜 The title 'Cockroaches' is impactful, invoking negative connotations associated with pests and invasive creatures, setting the tone for the poem's themes.
• 🕊 The first stanza uses imperative commands and vivid imagery to depict the disturbance of the cockroaches' peace, reflecting a power dynamic.
• 🔍 The poem employs exclusive pronouns to distance the speaker from the cockroaches, emphasizing a separation and a sense of 'otherness'.
• 🎨 The language and diction, such as 'Helter Skelter' and 'Scuttle', create a sense of chaos and hurried movement, mirroring the plight of the oppressed.
• 🤔 A shift occurs in the poem where the speaker questions the justification for the violence against the cockroaches, prompting readers to consider the ethics of such actions.
• 🌑 The poem suggests that the love of darkness by cockroaches makes them suspicious to humans, drawing a parallel to how certain groups are marginalized due to their differences.
• 🔗 The poem's structure, with its free verse and varied line lengths, reflects the urgency and haste of the cockroaches' situation, enhancing the emotional impact.
• 🌐 The figurative interpretation of the poem positions the cockroaches as representing oppressed people, particularly those under colonialism, challenging the reader to reflect on historical injustices.
• 📖 The tone of the poem oscillates between cruel and contemplative, inviting readers to engage with the harsh realities of oppression and the thoughtful questioning of such actions.

Q & A

Who is the poet Mari Yam and what is significant about his birth year and location?

Mari Yam is a Kenyan writer, poet, and university lecturer born in 1947. His birth year and location are significant because Kenya was colonized by the British until its independence in 1963, which is a historical context that influences the themes in his poetry, including 'Cockroaches'.

What is the literal meaning of the poem 'Cockroaches' by Mari Yam?

The literal meaning of the poem 'Cockroaches' describes the behavior of cockroaches when a light is turned on, causing them to scurry back to their dark shelters. The poem uses commands and vivid language to depict the insects' reactions to human intrusion.

How does the poem 'Cockroaches' use figurative language to represent a deeper theme?

The poem uses an extended metaphor where cockroaches represent oppressed people, specifically those suffering under colonialism. The figurative language highlights the power dynamics between the oppressors and the oppressed.

What is the significance of the title 'Cockroaches' in relation to the poem's theme?

The title 'Cockroaches' is impactful because of the negative connotations associated with the insect, which sets the tone for the poem's exploration of oppression and the dehumanizing treatment of the oppressed.

How does the poem use the word 'shy' to enhance the victimhood of the cockroaches?

The use of the word 'shy' adds to the sense of victimhood of the cockroaches by suggesting that they are timid and vulnerable, much like the oppressed people who are subjected to violence and mistreatment.

What rhetorical device is used in the poem to question the actions of the oppressors?

The poem uses a rhetorical question, 'who ordained the crash fall of sandals,' to challenge the authority and justification behind the violent actions of the oppressors.

How does the poem's structure contribute to its themes and tone?

The poem's free verse structure with varying line lengths and enjambment emphasizes the urgency and haste of the cockroaches' movements, reflecting the themes of violence and oppression.

What is the mood of the first two stanzas of the poem 'Cockroaches'?

The mood of the first two stanzas is cruel, as they describe the violent and aggressive actions taken against the cockroaches, reflecting the harsh treatment of the oppressed.

What contemplative questions are posed in the last two stanzas of the poem?

The last two stanzas pose questions about the motivations behind the oppressors' actions, such as their love for darkness and their racial prejudices, prompting readers to consider the deeper implications of colonialism and oppression.

How does the poem 'Cockroaches' challenge the reader's perspective on the power dynamics between humans and insects?

The poem challenges the reader's perspective by presenting the cockroaches as victims and questioning the justification for the brutal treatment they receive, inviting reflection on the ethics of human actions towards other species and, by extension, towards oppressed groups.

What themes are explored in the poem 'Cockroaches' by Mari Yam?

The themes explored in the poem include violent oppression, colonialism, racism, and the mistreatment of others, using the metaphor of cockroaches to represent the oppressed and reflect on the actions of the oppressors.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Colonialism and the Symbolism of 'Cockroaches'

The first paragraph introduces the poem 'Cockroaches' by Mari yam, a Kenyan poet born in 1947. The video discusses the poem's literal and figurative interpretations, focusing on the negative connotations associated with cockroaches as pests and invaders. The poem's opening stanza uses imperative commands to disrupt the cockroaches' sense of safety, highlighting the human perspective of distancing from the insects. The speaker's language emphasizes the urgency and haste of the cockroaches' movements, while also portraying them as victims of human aggression. The paragraph concludes with a rhetorical question that challenges the audience to reconsider the power dynamics between humans and cockroaches.

05:00

🤔 Reflections on Oppression and the Human-Cockroach Metaphor

The second paragraph delves deeper into the figurative interpretation of the poem, suggesting that the cockroaches symbolize oppressed people, particularly those suffering under colonialism. The speaker's shift from commanding to questioning introduces a contemplative tone, asking who gave humans the right to treat the 'shy creatures' violently. The use of the word 'shy' adds to the victimhood of the cockroaches, drawing a parallel with the African people who were disrupted and mistreated by colonial powers. The poem's structure, with its free verse and varying line lengths, emphasizes the urgency and haste of the cockroaches, mirroring the aggression of the colonial forces. The final stanzas prompt further contemplation on the motivations behind colonial violence and racial prejudice, leaving the reader with a sense of thoughtfulness and introspection.

Keywords

💡Colonialism

Colonialism refers to the practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, often by force, and exploiting them economically and culturally. In the video, colonialism is a central theme, as the poem 'Cockroaches' uses the metaphor of cockroaches to represent oppressed people, particularly those suffering under colonial rule. The speaker contrasts the power dynamics between colonizers and the colonized, emphasizing the brutality and inhumanity of colonial actions.

💡Cockroaches

In the poem, cockroaches symbolize oppressed people, especially in the context of colonialism. The video explains how the poem's title 'Cockroaches' carries strong connotations of negativity, as cockroaches are often viewed as pests. This metaphor is extended to represent the dehumanization and harsh treatment of colonized people, who are depicted as helpless and shy creatures subjected to the violence of colonial powers.

💡Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. In the video, the cockroaches are used metaphorically to represent oppressed people under colonial rule. This metaphor effectively highlights the power dynamics and the violent oppression experienced by the colonized, drawing a parallel between the treatment of cockroaches and the brutal actions of colonizers.

💡Power Dynamic

Power dynamic refers to the relationship between individuals or groups where power is distributed unequally, often leading to domination and control by one party over another. The video discusses how the poem explores the power dynamic between humans (representing colonizers) and cockroaches (representing the colonized). The humans exert violent control over the cockroaches, mirroring the oppressive actions of colonial powers towards colonized people.

💡Imperative

An imperative is a command or an order. The video points out the use of imperatives in the poem, such as 'turn on the light' and 'cut them off,' which reflect the commanding and controlling attitude of the speaker towards the cockroaches. This use of language underscores the authority and dominance that the colonizers hold over the colonized, reinforcing the theme of power and oppression.

💡Helter Skelter

Helter Skelter refers to disorderly haste or confusion. In the poem, it describes the chaotic movement of cockroaches when they are exposed to light, symbolizing the fear and panic experienced by oppressed people under sudden and violent actions by colonizers. The video explains how this term, along with the alliteration 'Skelter and Scuttle,' captures the frantic and disoriented response of the cockroaches, further illustrating their vulnerability.

💡Rhetorical Question

A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer. In the poem, the speaker uses rhetorical questions to provoke thought about the legitimacy and morality of colonial violence, such as 'who ordained the crash fall of sandals on these shy creatures?' The video highlights how these questions challenge the reader to reconsider the power dynamics and the justifications for the oppressive actions of colonizers.

💡Shy Creatures

Shy creatures refer to the cockroaches described in the poem, symbolizing the oppressed people who are portrayed as timid and vulnerable. The video explains how this characterization adds to the sense of victimhood and innocence of the cockroaches, contrasting with the violent and aggressive actions of the colonizers. The term 'shy' emphasizes the unfair treatment of these creatures, who pose no real threat but are nonetheless subjected to cruelty.

💡Figurative Interpretation

Figurative interpretation involves understanding a text's deeper meaning beyond its literal content. The video discusses how the poem 'Cockroaches' can be read both literally (as a description of cockroaches) and figuratively (as a commentary on colonial oppression). The figurative interpretation reveals the poem's critique of the violent and dehumanizing actions of colonizers, with cockroaches representing the colonized people.

💡Racial Prejudices

Racial prejudices refer to the preconceived opinions or biases against individuals based on their race. In the video, the speaker explores how these prejudices fuel the colonizers' treatment of the colonized, questioning whether the love of darkness (a metaphor for African culture and way of life) leads to suspicion and mistreatment. The video connects this idea to the broader theme of racism and how it underpins colonial brutality.

Highlights

Introduction to the poem 'Cockroaches' by Mari yam, a Kenyan poet, and the significance of Kenya's colonial history.

Analysis of the poem's title 'Cockroaches' and its negative connotations, setting the tone for the poem.

Discussion of the first stanza, focusing on the imperative 'turn on the light' and the disruption of the cockroaches' sense of safety.

Use of the word 'Helter Skelter' to describe the disorderly and hasty movement of the cockroaches.

The use of the pronoun 'they' to distance the speaker from the cockroaches, highlighting a human perspective.

Commanding language in the poem, such as 'cut them off' and 'block their many approaches', emphasizing a sense of urgency and aggression.

The connotation of 'hideout' as a criminal shelter, suggesting the cockroaches are seen as wrongdoers.

The rhyme scheme in the poem that adds to the chaotic and hurried movement of the cockroaches.

The speaker's desire to witness the suffering of the cockroaches, depicted through words like 'hopeless' and 'helpless'.

Shift in the poem from commanding to questioning, starting with 'but who ordained'.

The rhetorical question about the power dynamics between humans and cockroaches, challenging the reader's assumptions.

The contemplation of whether the cockroaches' love for darkness makes them suspicious to humans.

The poem's structure as free verse with varying line lengths and occasional rhyme, emphasizing the urgency and haste.

Figurative interpretation of the poem, where cockroaches represent oppressed people, particularly under colonialism.

The contrast between the violent treatment of cockroaches and the actual behavior of the African people under colonialism.

The contemplative tone in the last two stanzas, questioning the actions and motivations of the colonial powers.

The poem's themes of violent oppression, colonialism, racism, and mistreatment of others.

The tone and mood of the poem, described as cruel in the first two stanzas and thoughtful and contemplative in the last two.

Transcripts

hello and welcome to another chutas

video in today's video we're going to be

analyzing the poem cockroaches by Mari

yam so the poet was born in Kenya in

1947 he is a writer and a poet and a

university lecturer it's worth noting

that he was born in Kenya in 1947 Kenya

was colonized by the British for a

period of time and they gained their

independence in

1963 this is significant to note because

um in the figurative interpretation of

this poem we're going to discuss

colonialism so the title of this poem is

cockroaches and it's one of the most

sort of impactful titles of a poem I

think because um the connotations we

associate with cockroaches immediately

spring to mind so obviously a cockroach

is a type of insect but the associations

and the connotations we have are that

they're pest that they're invasive we

have very very negative perception of

cockroaches so this immediately sets up

the rest of the

poem turn on the light and Helter

Skelter they Scuttle to their dark

shelters so this very first stanza we

start with turn on which is imperative

which is a command turn on the light we

know that cockroaches are nocturnal

animals so the dark shelters references

their preference to dark spaces so

turning on the light is going to disrupt

the coach's sense of safety and Helter

Skelter Helter Skelter means disorderly

you're moving in a disorderly haste and

confusion they Scuttle Scuttle means you

run hurridly notice the use of the

exclusive pronoun they so we're having

the speaker is talking sort of from the

human perspective and then he's

distancing himself from the Cockroaches

this is important in our literal

understanding of the poem also in our

figurative one notice the um

alliteration Skelter and SC cuttle that

s sound which mimics the cockroach's

Hasty

Runway cut them off once again a command

from their hideouts block their many

approaches and see cockroaches in

Hopeless flurry and helpless worry so

cut them off commanding once again from

there notice all these exclusive

pronouns being used to show this

distinction between the humans and the

Cockroaches um I know it seems pretty

obvious in terms of literal but keep it

in mind for

figurative Hideout this is referen to

their shelters again but you use the

word Hideout Hideout has a connotation

of like you're a criminal and you have

to hide out you have to go away from um

you know you have to hide from regular

Society for a reason so we can see the

behavior towards the Cockroaches

indicates that they have done something

wrong but from the description that

we've seen about the Cockroaches just

being in their dark shelters they don't

seem to have actually done anything

wrong they've just sort of acting

normally but the reaction to them is

extremely

volatile block block is a word by itself

on the line um and this is another

command but it also shows how we must

make the it's as as you know as one word

on a singular line it's like we must

isolate the Cockroaches there are many

approaches um approaches once again it

has this like sort of sinister

connotation their approaches could maybe

be like they attempts to seek food and

shelter but the addiction almost sounds

ominous like a criminal like you know

they're they're going to try and

approach you they're going to try and

cause cause chaos and see cockroaches in

Hopeless flurry and helpless worry um

notice that approaches and cockroaches

rhyme and then flurry and worry rhyme um

and the speaker does not really come off

in a good light in these two in these

two last um lines of this stanza um it's

he he wants to witness the suffering of

the Cockroaches it seems notice the use

of hopeless and helpless both with that

less um suffix which showcases how the

speaker wants to deprive the um

cockroaches of any form of Hope or

help but who ordained the crash fall of

sandals on these shy creatures and now

we have a shift so but always indicates

a shift and here we go from this

commanding sense to this questioning

sense

and the speaker asked who ordained

meaning who gave power to the crash fall

of sandals crash fall think of the

connotations of Crash it's violent and

aggressive connotations of sandals and

you can just think of how um humans

typically get rid of cockroaches by you

know just like stepping on them so

sandals is a form of sneky it's a path

that represents a hole because obviously

he's not saying that the sandals really

have the power but it's the humans who

have the power it represents people

but the use of sandals shows that this

is the only thing that cockroaches

actually see they only see the sandal

that's being sort of stamped on them but

it is referen to the humans who are

being violent on these shy creatures so

shy this diction of shy adds to the to

the Cockroaches um sense of victimhood

that the cockroaches in this poem they'

seen as hopeless and helpless and shy

the picture is being created that they

are victims and notice the rhetorical

question at the end of the poem it makes

the reader not the end of the poem sorry

the end of the stanza it makes the

reader think or consider the status quo

in a new way like we always just assume

oh

yeah um you know humans and cockroaches

have this um this this power Dynamic but

now we have to consider it there isn't

also actually an answer to this question

like there's no real answer to justify

this

brutality or is it their love of

Darkness holds them suspect so or this

indicates a contemplative tone is that

they love of Darkness they meaning they

love dark spaces um and therefore they

perhaps get a reputation for evil humans

don't understand this love that they

have for the darkness that holds them

suspect that makes them suspicious to

humans that humans want to um treat them

badly they don't trust them readers are

left considering this with the question

mark and linking the literal to the

figurative um extended metaphor with

this final question so let's quickly

have a discussion about the um literal

versus the figurative because we've

discuss this probe in a literal sense

which makes sense but um definitely the

figurative is going to offer us um a

deeper meaning than just you know

cockroaches and humans and that power

Dynamic so literal is obviously the

cockroach roaches and the humans and

that power Dynamic but the figurative is

that this is an extended metaphor and

the Cockroaches are repres or the

Cockroaches represent oppressed people

and specifically people suffering under

colonialism and the speaker seems to be

from the powerful Colonial

perspective so as we said earlier the

Cockroaches I described as shy and

hopeless these are the oppressed people

African people who have been disrupted

and who have been violently treated by

the colonial powers and this is in

contrast to those in power with

addiction like cut and holds them

suspect is used the colonial forces were

aggressive Territorial and disruptive to

the natural ways of the people and their

Lifestyles they try to crush African

people and were brutal just as humans

are when they encounter a cockroach so

you can notice the effectiveness of this

metaphor in that humans human the human

power damic with cockrides is extremely

violent yes um and so comparing that to

how Colonials treated African people

really emphasizes the sense of brutality

and aggression and inhumanity of their

actions stanza three that question is

quite powerful and this is where the

speaker asks how can they get away how

can the colonal get away with so much

violence who gave them permission to

invade to disrupt and to brutally treat

African people and stanza 4 also asks

another question also of the Colonials

act this way because of their racial

prejudices and their unwillingness to

recognize Africans as fellow human

beings so definitely the first two

stanzas is one part of the poem and the

last two stanzas is a more cont more of

a contemplation about that behavior so I

hope that the figurative interpretation

makes sense as well as the literal

one the structure of the poem this the

poem is free USS um you have different

stances of different line lengths um

there's no particular ordered rhyme

scheme there's just a couple instances

of rhyme there's lots of enjam run on

lines and short lines and this

emphasizes the haste in which the

Cockroaches move and the urgency of the

speaker the theme and the message of the

poem um we can talk about that in terms

of violent

oppression colonialism racism

mistreatment of others um and the tone

and mood you can describe as cruel in

the first two stanzas and the last two

stanzas as thoughtful and

contemplative thank you so much for

watching I hope that you enjoyed the

video please remember to like And

subscribe and I'll see you in the next

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