checking out me history

• Who is the poet of "Checking Out My History"?

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

  The erasure of important figures from African and Caribbean history in the British education system
• Where was John Agard sitting when he opened the textbook that inspired the poem?

  In a classroom in Guyana
• What realization does John Agard have about the history he is taught?

  That it predominantly focuses on white historical figures
• What does the repetition of "then tell me" signify in the poem?

  It conveys the speaker's anger and frustration at being ignored
• How does Agard's use of phonetic spelling contribute to the poem's message?

  It reflects his pride in his heritage and refusal to conform to British norms
• What does the juxtaposition of "them" and "me" represent in the poem?

  It highlights the separation between black people and white people
• What does the metaphor of "bandage" imply in the poem?

  It suggests that the speaker's true identity is being covered up
• What does the term "Maroons" refer to in the context of the poem?

  Black slaves who escaped from slavery
• How does Agard's structure change when he introduces important black figures?

  The lines become shorter, stanzas longer, and the font italicized
• Who is Toussaint Louverture and why is he significant?

  He was the first black leader of the Haitian revolution who abolished slavery
• What does the phrase "healing star among the wounded" refer to in the poem?

  It describes Mary Seacole's contributions during the Crimean War
• What does the cyclical structure at the end of the poem signify?

  It symbolizes an ongoing pattern of oppression
• What does the metaphor of "carving out my identity" suggest about the speaker's journey?

  It implies that self-discovery is a difficult but necessary process
• What context influenced John Agard's writing of "Checking Out My History"?

  His experiences of being taught a Eurocentric history in school
• In what collection was "Checking Out My History" published?

  Half-Cast and Other Poems
• What message does Agard aim to convey through his poetry?

  That cultural identity should be recognized and valued
• How does the poem reflect on the education system?

  It critiques the system for prioritizing white history over black history
• What does the phrase "the Caribs and the Arawaks" refer to in the poem?

  They were the original inhabitants of the West Indies
• How does Agard use color imagery in describing Mary Seacole?

  He uses yellow to symbolize hope and spiritual significance
• What does the alliteration of "B" in "blind" and "bandage" contribute to the poem?

  It creates an aggressive tone reflecting the violent control of history
• What does the dismissive tone in "then tell me about Dick Whittington and he cat" imply?

  It shows Agard's disdain for trivializing important historical narratives
• What is the significance of the phrase "I checking out my own history" in the poem?

  It signifies the speaker's empowerment to reclaim their identity
• When was John Agard born?

  1949
• What does the poem suggest about the importance of analyzing language and structure in poetry?

  It is essential for understanding the poet's message and context
• How does the poem "Checking Out My History" relate to themes of cultural identity?

  It emphasizes the need to acknowledge and celebrate diverse histories
• What does the phrase "the first black Republic" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to Haiti after the abolition of slavery
• What does the use of humor in the poem suggest about Agard's perspective on history?

  It highlights the absurdity of ignoring significant historical figures
• What is the significance of the phrase "I carving out my identity" in the context of the poem?

  It represents the speaker's active role in shaping their own identity
• How does the poem address the theme of oppression?

  It critiques the systemic erasure of black history in education
• What does the phrase "the beacon of the Haitian revolution" imply about Toussaint Louverture?

  It suggests he was a guiding figure in the fight for freedom
• How does the poem reflect John Agard's personal experiences?

  It illustrates his journey of questioning the Eurocentric history he was taught
• What does the phrase "the dish ran away with the spoon" symbolize in the poem?

  It represents the trivialization of important history
• What role does nature imagery play in the description of Nanny de Maroon?

  It symbolizes the strength and resilience of black people
• What does the phrase "they are blinding him" imply about the speaker's education?

  It suggests that his education is deliberately obscuring the truth
• How does the poem's tone shift throughout its progression?

  It shifts from frustration to empowerment
• What does the phrase "the original inhabitants of the West Indies" refer to?

  It refers to the Caribs and Arawaks
• How does the poem challenge traditional narratives of history?

  It highlights the importance of including diverse perspectives
• What does the phrase "the priorities in the education system" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to the focus on white historical figures over black ones
• How does the poem's ending reflect a sense of agency for the speaker?

  It shows the speaker taking control of their own narrative