Themes
English Lit: AQA GCSE Poetry - Power & Conflict, topic 14.1.2
Respect for Influential Figures
Agard emphasises his pride for his heritage and his admiration for the Caribbean figures he describes. He uses the following techniques to do so:
Italics
- Agard's use of italics for the description of influential black figures gives them authority and dignity.
- It marks his respect for them.
Natural imagery
- Natural imagery is used to describe Nanny de Maroon – “of mountain dream / fire woman struggle / hopeful stream / to freedom river”.
Light and hope imagery
- Toussaint L’Ouveture is described as a “beacon”, which is also an image of light, hope and strength.
- Mary Seacole is likewise associated with images of life and hope.
- “A healing star / among the wounded / a yellow sunrise”.
- This image has connotations of bravery and presents her as almost angelic and magical.
Anger and Disrespect
Agard emphasises his anger and frustration at the British’s curriculum’s narrow definition of history. He uses these techniques to emphasise his anger:
Loaded phrases
- When phrases are loaded, they have underlying meanings and implications.
- The use of the noun “dem” has undertones of disrespect. It creates a distance between the speaker and the writers of white history he condemns.
- This idea is reinforced with the phrase “and all dat”. It suggests that the speaker feels that elements of European history are trivial and irrelevant to him.
Metaphor
- “Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to me own identity”.
- This is a metaphor for him not being able to learn about or celebrate his history.
- The verbs “bandage” and “blind” have connotations of violence and restriction. They convey the pain caused by being cut off from his history.
- The alliteration of harsh “b” sound reinforces the idea that the speaker feels this is unpleasant.
Repetition
- Repetition of “dem” throughout builds up and creates an angry tone.
- It conveys the speaker’s negative feelings towards those with the authority to present a one-sided view of history.
Rebellion and Identity
Agard emphasises his pride in his identity and heritage throughout the poem. There are also hints of rebellion against authority and challenging accepted norms of society. Agard uses these techniques to explore these ideas:
Phonetic spelling
- The poet's use of phonetic spelling (spelling words like they sound) creates a more authentic voice.
- It suggests that the speaker refuses to give up a key part of his identity and pride in his heritage.
Loaded words
- “Carving out me identity”.
- The loaded (has an underlying meaning or implication) verb “carving” has hints of rebellion. It shows the poet's need to fight to discover his identity and share it with others.
Position of words
- “Identity” is the final word of the poem.
- This emphasises its significance.
Test yourself on Themes
How does Agard show his respect for historical figures like Mary Seacole and Nanny de Maroon?
What kinds of imagery does Agard use to show his respect for black figures from history?
What's significant about the word "dem" in Checking Out Me History?
What's the effect of using phonetic spelling in Checking Out Me History?
How does Agard emphasise the word "identity" in Checking Out Me History?