The Cockroach - Kevin Halligan

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Through the allegory in "The Cockroach" Kevin Halligan reflects upon the value of life and the many challenges we face. Structure, tone and language techniques draw attention to the amount of detail and lessons that can be observed through an usually overlooked insect.

The hyperbole of "a giant cockroach" conveys the closeness with which the persona is observing it, showing the reader the irony in his fascination and interest with this seemingly insignificant pest. The repetition of the insect here and in the title reinforces its importance, suggesting that this is also a device allowing one to reflect upon life. The unusual image of a lone cockroach that the persona empathises with highlights his feeling of loneliness; that they are considered an annoyance draws parallels with his despondency and identity crisis. The cockroach is separated and alone just as he feels from humanity; the real irony is the similarities that are apparent both to the persona and us.

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Furthermore, the personal pronoun "he" reinforces the connection felt by the persona; his personification of the cockroach allows a clear description while reinforcing this. The sibilance of "seemed quite satisfied" slows the attention upon this moment; the persona recognises a universal issue where humans are quite complacent with simply moving about, their destination unknown. The "path between..the door" metaphorically emphasises that this is a common steady path many lead early in life, yet the diction "but" shows that we are soon led astray. The change in tone prepares us for the description of the frantic movement that the persona ...

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