Analyzing Bienvenido Lumbera's 'Eulogy of Roaches' Poem

Eulogy of Roaches: A Poetic Commentary on Social Issues

Bienvenido Lumbera's poem "Eulogy of Roaches," published in the year 1975, offers a profound examination of societal problems through the metaphor of roach infestations. This verse, written during the Marcos regime in the Philippines, is a powerful political statement in disguise. Let us delve deeper into this piece and analyze its intricacies, including its themes, symbolism, and sociopolitical messages.

Literary Analysis

Lumbera's "Eulogy of Roaches" is an innovative fusion of free verse and rhyme scheme. It employs a rhythmic pattern, with each stanza containing five lines, which creates a balanced yet flowing structure. Each line varies greatly in length, contributing to the overall dynamic feel of the poem. The verses are also interspersed with punctuation marks like dashes, commas, colons, and periods, providing pauses and emphasizing certain phrases.

Themes

One central theme of "Eulogy of Roaches" revolves around the idea of societal apathy and acceptance. The speaker acknowledges that people have become accustomed to the presence of roaches, even going so far as to celebrate their existence. In contrast, they simultaneously despise these creatures. This duality reflects the complexities of human behavior, where we can both tolerate and reject aspects of our surroundings.

A subtle yet significant underlying message is the poet's questioning of whether humans are any better than the roaches they detest. Both species possess negative traits such as selfishness and indifference towards others. By comparing and contrasting the two, the poem challenges readers to reconsider their own actions and values.

Symbolism

The roaches in Lumbera's poetry serve multiple purposes, one of them being a metonymy for societal decay. They represent a manifestation of the corrupt elements within society, thriving without any regard for others' wellbeing. Moreover, they are a symbol of the pervasive nature of this corruption, spreading rapidly among people, much like how roaches multiply.

Additionally, the use of roaches as a motif implies that the speaker believes society has adopted a type of symbiotic relationship with these pests. People may find ways to coexist with roaches because doing so requires less effort than attempting to eradicate them entirely.

Social Commentary

In broader contexts, "Eulogy of Roaches" becomes a potent critique of the socioeconomic dynamics prevalent during Martial Law. The poem highlights the plight of the impoverished masses who must live alongside roaches while those in power remain immune from the struggles faced by the common man. The blatant disregard towards such suffering speaks volumes about the moral fabric of the nation at the time.

However, it is essential not to view "Eulogy of Roaches" solely through a historical lens. Its relevance extends beyond its original setting, resonating with modern-day audiences dealing with similar issues of inequality and societal neglect.

Overall, Bienvenido Lumbera's "Eulogy of Roaches" stands as a thought-provoking testament to the intricacies of social systems and human behaviors. Through masterful storytelling techniques, it offers valuable insights into societal decay, indifference, and the paradoxes inherent in our everyday lives.