Checking Out Me History - John Agard (Born 1949)
English Lit: AQA GCSE Poetry - Power & Conflict, topic 17.1.14
Key Quotations in Checking Out Me History
Here are key quotations to remember for your exam:
“Dem tell me…dem tell me wha dem want to tell me”
- Loaded word and repetition.
- The use of the noun “dem” has undertones of disrespect and creates a distance between the speakers and the writers of white history he condemns.
- Repetition of “dem” throughout builds up and creates an angry tone, conveying the speaker’s negative feelings towards those with the authority to present a one-sided view of history.
“Bandage up me eye with me own history..."
- “Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to me own identity”.
- Metaphor.
- 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.
- Alliteration.
- Alliteration of the harsh “b” sound reinforces the idea that the speaker feels this is unpleasant.
“…Of mountain dream / fire woman struggle..."
- “…of mountain dream / fire woman struggle / hopeful stream / to freedom river”.
- Natural imagery.
- Natural imagery used to describe Nanny de Maroon conveys his deep respect for her.
“…A healing star / among the wounded / a yellow sunrise”
- Imagery.
- Mary Seacole is associated with images of life and hope.
“But now I checking out me own history..."
- “But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity”.
- Loaded verb.
- The loaded (has an underlying meaning or implication) verb “carving” has hints of rebellion and shows the need to fight to discover his identity and share it with others.
- “Identity” is the final word in the poem as if to emphasise its significance.
Key Comparisons: Checking out Me History
Here are some suggestions for texts you could compare in your exam. Of course, the list of possibilities is endless!
Misuse of power/anger at those in power
- You may want to compare the theme of the misuse of power or anger at those in power in Checking Out Me History to the following texts:
- London.
Power of identity
- You may want to compare the theme of the power of identity in Checking Out Me History to the following texts:
- The Emigree.
- Kamikaze.
Negative feelings
- You may want to compare the theme of negative feelings in Checking Out Me History to the following texts:
- War Photographer.
- My Last Duchess.
- London.
- Exposure.
Test yourself on Checking Out Me History - John Agard (Born 1949)
What techniques are being used in this key quote:
“Dem tell me…dem tell me wha dem want to tell me”