Checking out me History Flashcards
Context
Many people from ethnic minority groups have been successful in their fields; however because of their heritage, they have not gained credit for their accolades. History does not always reflect the true history. Rather, it is often a retelling of events that elevates the success of white or western figures. John Agard believes that everyone should be taught important historical events, no matter their ethnicity, race or culture.
Plot
The speaker feels he has not been taught enough history from different cultures and nations. He is taught about British historical events, however he is not told about similar figures who accomplished the same in other countries. Throughout the poem contrasts are drawn between the two parallel histories. In the end the speaker decides he will take control of his own education and seek to understand his own identity
Form
Repetition
Song format
Caribbean rhythm
Irregular rhyme
Enjambment
Accent
Structure
3 stanzas
2 8 and 1 9 lined stanza
Tone
Accusatory
Anger
Determination
Pride
Theme
Power of humans
Identity
Educaction
Politics
Key Quote-“Dem tell me, Dem tell me, Wha dem wan tell me
The anaphora here is used to show protest as we can also see protest in the direct opposition of “Dem” and “Me”. This suggests that “me” refers to the experience of many, not just him. This could also suggest a colonial relationship between “Dem” and “Me” due to the submissive tone. Refers to what the educators of society tell us (They tell us what they want to tell us)
Key Quote-“Bandage up me eye with me own history”
The metaphor here is used to show that he isn’t blinded to the history but he has been told these things and his vision has been blurred. Also, ironically, bandages are meant to be used for healing and education to enlighten, not the opposite. Furthermore, a bandage is temporary and used to heal injuries, however Agard’s spiritual injuries can only be healed through discovering his identity. Something which has been denied to him and many others because of the education system
Key Quote-“But now I check out me own history, I carving out me identity”
The end of the poem shows how his viewpoints changed as he uses cyclical structure and changes his tome from submissive to empowered. The metaphor is like a sculptor creating beautiful artwork. Also much of colonial society was about being told about what one’s place in the world was by someone else. In this stanza, the speaker breaks free of the shackles put on him by the education system like many .
