Checking out me history

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

  John Agard
• What is the main theme of "Checking Out Me History"?

  • The speaker's exploration of black history
  • The contrast between taught history and personal heritage
  • The impact of colonial education on identity
• What does the speaker resolve to do in "Checking Out Me History"?


  To discover more about his own heritage
• What historical figure does the speaker mention in italics?

  Toussaint L'Ouverture
• What does the repetition of "Dem tell me" signify in the poem?


  It creates an accusatory tone and shows the speaker's anger
• How does the structure of the poem reflect the speaker's experience of history?

  The dual structure shows the separation between taught history and black history
• What does the speaker mean by "Bandage up me eye with me own history"?


  It implies he feels hurt by his sheltered upbringing
• What does the phrase "I carving out me identity" suggest about the speaker's journey?

  It indicates an ongoing process of self-discovery and reclaiming identity
• What are the key historical figures referenced in "Checking Out Me History"?

  • Toussaint L'Ouverture: Leader of the Haitian Revolution
  • Nanny de Maroon: Leader of the Jamaican Maroons
  • Shaka Zulu: Influential military leader of the Zulu kingdom
  • Mary Seacole: Nurse during the Crimean War
• What does the poem suggest about the teaching of West Indian history?


  It begins with Columbus, neglecting significant black historical figures
• How does Agard use light imagery in the poem?


  To associate black historical figures with guidance and emotional significance
• What does the lack of punctuation in the poem signify?


  It allows for personal interpretation and resists oppression
• What tone does Agard create through the repetition of "dem tell me"?


  An angry tone that implies frustration and a feeling of being unheard
• How does "Checking Out Me History" compare to "Ozymandias" by Shelley?


  Similarities:

  • Both address the pain of lost identity.

  Differences:

  • Agard resolves to research his history, while Shelley implies corruption in power is permanent.
• How does "Checking Out Me History" compare to "The Emigrée" by Rumens?


  Similarities:

  • Both explore conflicts between cultures.

  Differences:

  • Agard's tone is angry, while Rumens presents an idealized childhood.
• What is the significance of Mary Seacole in the poem?


  She is recognized for her contributions during the Crimean War
• What does the phrase "I checking out me own history" imply about the speaker's attitude towards his education?


  He is taking initiative to learn about his own heritage
• How does the rhyme scheme in the poem contribute to its meaning?

  It ties together sections of white and black history, promoting literary unification
• What does the phrase "fire-woman struggle" refer to in the poem?


  It refers to Nanny de Maroon's fight for freedom
• What does the speaker mean by "Dem tell me bout 1066 and all dat"?


  It refers to the Eurocentric history taught in schools
• How does Agard's use of non-standard phonetic spelling contribute to the poem?


  It emphasizes resistance to colonial language traditions
• What does the volta "but now" signify in the poem?


  It marks a turning point where the speaker takes ownership of his identity
• What does the phrase "Blind me to me own identity" suggest about the speaker's education?


  It implies that his education has obscured his true cultural identity
• What is the significance of the historical figures mentioned in the poem?


  They represent the rich history and contributions of black individuals
• How does the imagery of "a yellow sunrise" relate to Mary Seacole?


  It symbolizes hope and healing in her contributions
• What does the phrase "I carving out me identity" imply about the speaker's feelings towards his past?


  It suggests a painful but necessary process of reclaiming his identity
• What does the phrase "hopeful stream to freedom river" suggest about Nanny de Maroon's legacy?


  It symbolizes her role in the struggle for freedom
• What does the speaker mean by "Dem tell me bout de man who discover de balloon"?


  It refers to trivial historical figures taught in schools
• How does the poem reflect the impact of colonialism on identity?


  It shows how colonial education has obscured the speaker's cultural identity
• What is the effect of the speaker's transition from "Dem" to "I" in the poem?


  It signifies a shift from external control to personal empowerment
• What does the phrase "Dem tell me wha dem want to tell me" imply about the speaker's education?


  It suggests that the education he received was selective and biased
• What does the speaker's journey in the poem ultimately represent?


  A quest for self-identity and cultural reclamation
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its overall message?


  The alternating stanzas highlight the contrast between taught history and black history
• What role does the imagery of "fire-woman" play in the poem?

  It emphasizes Nanny de Maroon's strength and resilience
• What does the phrase "I checking out me own history" signify about the speaker's attitude towards his past?

  It indicates a proactive approach to understanding his heritage
• What does the speaker's reference to "the cow who jump over the moon" illustrate?


  It highlights the trivial nature of some historical figures taught in schools
• How does the poem address the theme of oppression?


  It critiques the colonial education system that suppresses black history
• What does the phrase "I carving out me identity" suggest about the speaker's feelings towards his cultural heritage?


  It indicates a struggle to reclaim and define his identity
• What does the phrase "hopeful stream to freedom river" symbolize in the context of the poem?


  It symbolizes the journey towards liberation and self-discovery
• What does the speaker's reference to "Robin Hood" signify in the poem?


  It represents the inclusion of well-known white historical figures