Checking out me history

• Who is the author of the poem "Checking Out Me History"?

  John Agard
• What historical figures does the speaker mention in the poem?

  • Toussaint L'Ouverture
  • Nanny de Maroon
  • Shaka the Great Zulu
  • Mary Seacole
• How does the speaker feel about the historical figures he was taught about?


  He feels anger and frustration at their exclusion of black historical figures
• What literary device is used to show the separation between the histories taught to the speaker?


  Italics
• What does the phrase "Blind me to me own identity" imply about the speaker's education?


  It suggests that his education has obscured his understanding of his own cultural identity
• What does the speaker mean by "Dem tell me" in the poem?


  It reflects the repetitive nature of the history he was taught
• How does the rhyme scheme in the poem contribute to its message?

  It ties together sections of white and black history, promoting literary unification
• What does the lack of punctuation in the poem signify?


  It allows for personal interpretation and resists oppression
• What does the volta "but now" signify in the poem?


  It marks a turning point where the speaker takes ownership of his identity
• What motifs are present in the stanzas regarding black history?


  • Light imagery (e.g., "beacon," "healing star")
  • Violent metaphors (e.g., "blind me to me own identity")
• How does Agard's use of non-standard phonetic spelling contribute to the poem?


  • It represents resistance to colonial language traditions
  • It emphasizes the poem's oral poetry nature
• How does the speaker's tone shift throughout the poem?


  It shifts from anger and frustration to empowerment and ownership
• What similarities exist between "Checking Out Me History" and "Ozymandias"?


  • Both explore themes of identity and oppression
  • Both highlight the pain inflicted by colonialism and power
• What differences exist between "Checking Out Me History" and "The Emigrée"?

  • Agard's poem expresses anger towards his childhood education
  • Rumens' poem presents an idealized view of childhood
• What does the phrase "I carving out me identity" suggest about the speaker's journey?


  It implies an ongoing and painful process of self-discovery
• How does the speaker feel about the historical education he received?


  He feels it was inadequate and biased towards Eurocentric views
• What does the imagery of "fire-woman" and "healing star" convey about Nanny de Maroon and Mary Seacole?


  It highlights their strength and significance in the fight for freedom and healing
• What does the speaker's reference to "the Caribs and the Arawaks" signify?


  It acknowledges the indigenous peoples affected by colonialism
• How does the speaker's journey in the poem reflect broader themes of colonialism?


  It illustrates the struggle for identity and recognition in the face of oppression
• A yellow sunrise
• A healing star
• But now I'm checking out me own history I carving out me identity
• Dem tell me, Dem tell me, what dem want to tell me
• Bandage up me eye with me own history
• bLIND ME TO ME OWN IDENTITY
• No dem never tell me bout dat
• Black history is quoted to emphasise its separateness and its importance
• Uses non-standard phonetic spelling to represent his powerful accent