Checking Out Me History - John Agard

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

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

  • Exploration of black history
  • Critique of eurocentric education
  • Personal journey of identity
• What does the speaker resolve to do in the poem?

  Discover more about his own heritage
• What historical figure is mentioned in italics in the poem?

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

  It shows the speaker's anger and frustration
• How does the structure of the poem reflect the speaker's experiences?

  It contrasts taught history with black history
• What does the speaker mean by "Bandage up me eye with me own history"?

  He feels hurt by his education
• What does the phrase "I carving out me identity" imply?


  He is actively shaping his own identity

  
• What are the key references in "Checking Out Me History"?

  • Toussaint L'Ouverture: Haitian Revolution leader
  • Nanny de Maroon: Jamaican military leader
  • Shaka de great Zulu: Influential Zulu leader
  • Caribs and Arawaks: Indigenous Caribbean peoples
  • Mary Seacole: Nurse in the Crimean War
• What does the lack of punctuation in the poem signify?

  It allows for personal interpretation of the poem
• How does Agard use light imagery in the poem?

  To symbolize hope and guidance in black history
• What is the significance of the volta "but now" in the poem?

  It marks a shift to personal identity
• How does "Checking Out Me History" compare to "Ozymandias"?

  Similarities:

  • Both address loss of identity
  • Both reflect on historical figures

  
  

  Differences:

  • Agard seeks to reclaim identity
  • Shelley depicts permanent corruption of power
• How does "Checking Out Me History" compare to "The Emigrée"?

  Similarities:

  • Both explore cultural identity
  • Both use emotional language

  
  

  Differences:

  • Agard's tone is angry and critical
  • Rumens presents an idealized childhood
• What does the speaker's use of Creole language signify?

  Resistance to colonial language traditions
• How does the rhyme scheme contribute to the poem's message?

  It unifies black and white history sections
• What does the speaker feel about his childhood education?

  It was insufficient and hurtful
• What does the phrase "fire-woman struggle" refer to?

  Nanny de Maroon's fight for freedom
• How does the poem reflect the impact of colonialism on identity?

  It shows the struggle to reclaim lost heritage
• What is the significance of Mary Seacole in the poem?

  She represents overlooked contributions to history
• How does the speaker's journey in the poem conclude?

  He takes ownership of his identity
• What does the phrase "Dem tell me wha dem want to tell me" imply about education?

  It suggests a controlled narrative in history
• What does the speaker's anger in the poem reflect?

  Frustration with historical erasure
• What does the speaker mean by "hopeful stream to freedom river"?

  It symbolizes the journey to liberation
• How does the poem address the theme of oppression?

  By highlighting the denial of cultural identity
• What role does imagery play in "Checking Out Me History"?

  It enhances emotional connection to history
• What does the speaker's journey represent in the poem?

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

  It conveys anger and urgency for recognition
• What does the phrase "I checking out me own history" signify?

  Active engagement in reclaiming identity
• What does the speaker's use of "dem" and "de" indicate?

  Use of non-standard phonetic spelling
• How does the poem reflect the speaker's cultural background?

  By incorporating elements of Creole language
• What does the speaker's reference to "childhood" imply?

  Loss of innocence and identity
• What is the significance of the historical figures mentioned in the poem?

  They represent overlooked contributions to history
• How does the poem's structure reflect the theme of segregation?

  By separating black and white historical figures
• What does the phrase "Blind me to me own identity" suggest about colonial education?

  It obscures personal and cultural identity
• What does the speaker's journey in the poem ultimately lead to?

  Empowerment through self-discovery
• How does the poem address the theme of resilience?

  By showcasing the speaker's determination to learn
• What does the speaker's use of "I" in the final stanza signify?

  Personal ownership of identity and history
• What does the phrase "a yellow sunrise to the dying" imply?

  Hope and healing amidst suffering
• How does the poem's tone shift throughout its progression?

  From anger to empowerment and resolution