London and COMH

• Corruption


  Misuse of power and oppression
• Oppression


  Despair and misery caused by the control of the church and monarchy in 18th Century London
• Oppression


  Impact of British colonial rule restricting knowledge and understanding of cultural heritage
• Blake and Agard explore oppressive use of power in their poems


  Both poets use their poems to critique the control that has been placed on them
• Oppression in Checking Out Me History

  1. Dem tell me

  2. Bandage up me eye with me own identity
• Use of anaphora "Dem tell me"


  • Highlights Agard's frustration about having Eurocentric history imposed and forced upon him
• Use of dialect "Dem"


  • Reinforces Agard's identity and highlights his need and desire to remain true to his roots and legacy
• Repetition of dental alliteration "d" and "t" sounds

  • Mimics Agard's frustration and anger at the oppression and control he is forced to face
• Pronoun "Dem"


  Refers to "them", the British Colonialists who controlled his education
• Verb "want"


  Emphasises the control the colonial rulers have over the version of history they deliver
• Metaphor "bandage"


  Highlights how Agard feels hurt by the lack of importance given to his culture and history
• Noun "bandage"


  Connotes injury, wounded and dismay, reflecting Agard's pain over being forced to learn history not concerning him
• Noun "bandage"


  Suggests something is covered or concealed, reflecting the way in which Agard feels he has been restricted from learning about important figures in his history
• Oppression in London


  • Every blackening church appals
  • Runs in blood down palace walls
• Use of ABAB rhyme scheme


  • Emphasises the sense of class division in 18th century London
• Metaphor "walls"


  Blake's metaphorical way of expressing the boundaries and division between the two sections of society
• Oxymoron "blackening church"


  Conveys the extreme corruption and misuse of power seen throughout 18th century London
• Use of present participle "blackening"


  • Creates an idea of the ongoing corruption within powerful institutions
• Metaphor "mind-forged manacles"


  Emphasises the consistent brainwashing and indoctrination by the government, monarchy and the church
• Adjective "mind-forged"


  Evokes the idea that the chains of control cannot be bent or broken, suggesting change or freedom seems futile
• Metaphor "healing star"


  Instils a sense of guidance, wisdom and hope for those suffering discrimination and prejudice
• Verb "healing"


  Connotations of strengthening and replenishment, helping to create a voice of strong cultural identity as a form of power and individuality against the suffering faced
• London comments on the damaging impact of oppression


  Checking Out Me History criticises British colonial rule restricting knowledge and discovery of identity and culture
• Both poets aim to change their audiences' respective societies and aid them in exposing the dangers of oppression
• Blake advocates for the church and monarchy to alter their treatment of the vulnerable
• Agard wants readers to break from the Eurocentric control and ideals that consume them