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 identifies with; this strong connection foreshadows his confession at the end.
However the diction "crooked" coupled with "rusty" reveals connotations of negative past experiences involving crime he now regrets. That the table is "rusty" shows us it is a well used, universal obstacle we all pass on our journey in life; moreover it being a decaying man-made object reinforces his belief of the brevity of life. The imagery of "circling..back" parallels the persona's own return to the complete beginning, underlining his feelings of a wasteful and inadequate life. "Wings" suggest freedom and potential, yet the action of "scratch(ing)" them matches his recollection of the self-inflicted harm that destroyed this possibility. The poet shows us that in order to achieve our goals in life we must overcome many obstacles and barriers, including ourselves.
The structure of the poem reflects the allegory of human nature and life, with a single stanza representing the shortness of our only life. The rhyme scheme remains consistent in ABAB form until the persona begins to think freely, identifying himself with the frantic actions of the cockroach. The enjambment in line seven reflects the quickness of this behaviour, without allowing pause for thought. The poet reveals that this is detrimental to our overall course in life through the negative diction "worsened," suggesting that it is this "restlessness" that leads us astray from the correct path in life. Furthermore, "due payment" has connotations of karma; coupled with the rhetorical question "a former life had led to?" the persona creates a tone of self-pity for what he perceives to be undue punishment. His pensive revelation "recognis(ing)" himself in the pitiful cockroach allows the reader to empathise with him, observing that his confusion is a common feeling we all perceive. He questions why we must suffer through our existence, yet acknowledges that our own actions have consequences that affect our course in life.
"The Cockroach" offers a bleak outlook on life, yet the hope that we can change and affect our own destinies remains prevalent. The poet suggests that if we live consistent honourable lives, we will receive the bright and deserving futures we strive for.