Half-caste

• What does the term "half-caste" refer to in the poem?


  It refers to a mixed race person.
• How does Agard use humor in relation to the term "half-caste"?


  He compares it to art and weather to highlight its absurdity.
• What does the phrase "Ah lookin at yu wid de keen half of min eye" suggest about the speaker's identity?


  It suggests that the speaker feels incomplete or only partially acknowledged.
• What is the significance of the line "I dream half a dream"?


  It emphasizes the absurdity of being labeled as "half-caste".
• What does the speaker mean by "yu must come back tomorrow... and de whole of yu mind"?


  It encourages the reader to be more open-minded and thoughtful.
• How does the pun on "half caste" and "overcast" contribute to the poem's message?


  It uses humor to challenge the negative connotation of "half-caste".
• What is the tone of the poem?


  The tone is sarcastic and biting.
• What are the main themes of the poem?

  • Conflict and discrimination
  • The absurdity of racial labels
  • The importance of open-mindedness
• What does the speaker's use of phonetic spelling achieve?


  It creates an authentic voice and reflects the speaker's identity.
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its message?


  The structure contrasts the absurdity of being "half-caste" with the richness of mixed identity.
• What does the speaker's demand for explanation reveal about their feelings?

  It reveals their frustration and desire for understanding.
• What does the phrase "cast half-a-shadow" imply about the speaker's identity?


  It implies that the speaker feels incomplete or marginalized.
• How does Agard's background influence the poem?


  • Agard moved from Guyana to England in 1977.
  • He is of mixed race, with a Portuguese mother and a black father.
  • His experiences with racial identity inform the poem's themes.
• What literary devices are prominent in the poem?


  Repetition, imagery, and metaphor.
• What does the speaker mean by "I half-caste human being"?


  It suggests that the speaker feels dehumanized by the label "half-caste".
• How does the poem challenge societal perceptions of mixed-race individuals?

  It questions the logic behind the term "half-caste" and promotes a more inclusive understanding.
• What is the significance of the title "Half-Caste"?


  • It reflects societal views on mixed-race individuals.
  • It is a derogatory term implying incompleteness.
  • It challenges the notion of identity based on race.
• What does Agard believe about humor in relation to race issues?


  He believes humor can break down boundaries and connect people.
• How does the poem's free verse form affect its delivery?


  It allows for a more conversational and urgent tone.
• What does the speaker's use of Caribbean dialect signify?


  It signifies pride in their heritage and challenges linguistic norms.
• What is the effect of the poem on the reader?


  It shocks the reader into reconsidering their use of language regarding race.
• What does the speaker mean by "I close half-a-eye"?


  It implies that the speaker feels incomplete or not fully engaged.
• How does the poem conclude its message about identity?

  It emphasizes that the speaker is whole and should not be defined by a label.
• What role does the imagery of art and nature play in the poem?


  It illustrates the beauty of mixing and challenges the negative connotations of "half-caste".
• What does the speaker's demand for accountability from the reader signify?


  It signifies a call for reflection on societal attitudes towards race.
• What does the phrase "an I will tell you de other half of the story" imply?


  It implies that there is more to the speaker's identity than the label "half-caste".