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 his own heritage and identity
• What historical figure does the speaker mention from the Haitian revolution?

  Toussaint L'Ouverture
• How does the speaker feel about the historical figures he was taught about as a child?

  He feels anger and frustration for not being taught about black historical figures
• What literary device is used to show the separation between the history taught and black history?

  Italics
• What does the speaker resolve to do at the end of the poem?

  To research his own history
• In what year was John Agard born?

  1949
• What type of education did Agard receive due to the colonization of Guyana?

  A British education with a eurocentric view of history
• What was Guyana's status before it became independent in 1966?

  It was a British colony
• What inspired Agard to write "Checking Out Me History"?

  A school textbook that claimed West Indian history began with Columbus
• How does the repetition of "Dem tell me" function in the poem?

  It creates an oppressive tone and reflects rote learning
• What does the phrase "Bandage up me eye with me own history" imply?

  It suggests that the speaker feels hurt by his sheltered upbringing
• Who is Nanny de Maroon?

  A female leader of the Jamaica maroons who escaped from slavery
• What does the speaker's reference to "Shaka de great Zulu" signify?

  It highlights the importance of influential black leaders in history
• What happened to the Caribs and the Arawaks?


  They were forced out of their homes and mostly wiped out
• How does Agard portray Mary Seacole in the poem?

  As a brave figure who contributed significantly to the Crimean War
• 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?

  A turning point where the speaker takes ownership of his identity
• How does Agard use light imagery in the poem?

  To associate black historical figures with guidance and emotional significance
• What is the significance of the phrase "I carving out me identity"?

  It indicates an ongoing and painful process of self-discovery
• How does Agard's use of non-standard phonetic spelling contribute to the poem?

  It emphasizes resistance to colonial language traditions
• What similarities exist between "Checking Out Me History" and "Ozymandias"?

  Both poems illustrate the pain inflicted by oppression of identity
• How does Agard's poem differ from "The Emigrée" in terms of childhood perception?

  Agard demonizes his childhood while Rumens idealizes it
• What are the key historical figures mentioned in "Checking Out Me History"?

  • Toussaint L'Ouverture
  • Nanny de Maroon
  • Shaka de great Zulu
  • The Caribs
  • The Arawaks
  • Mary Seacole
• What are the main structural features of "Checking Out Me History"?

  • Dual structure with italics for black history
  • Repetition of "Dem tell me"
  • Rhyme scheme connecting white and black history
  • Stanza organization emphasizing black historical figures
  • Use of enjambment to connect ideas

  
• What are the themes explored in "Checking Out Me History"?

  • Exploration of cultural identity
  • The impact of colonialism on education
  • The significance of black history
  • The journey of self-discovery
• What are the emotional tones present in "Checking Out Me History"?

  • Angry tone due to frustration with education
  • Childish tone reflecting a simplistic view of history
  • Hopeful tone in the journey of self-discovery