checking out me history Flashcards
what is the main theme for checking out me history
identity
what is the poem context
intended to be universal to apply to all people living under oppression of their cultural identity
what is the poet context of Agard
received a british education due to Guyana being colonised therefore was given a Eurocentric view of history and denied his own culture
what is the dual structure of the poem meant and what significance does this have
uses italics - showing separation between his culture and what he was taught
what is the two different tones in checking out me history
angry, repetition of dem tell me but also simple rhyme is childish and therefore uneducated
what are the two main themes of analysis for this poem
the cruelty of colonialism and the lack or agards identity
what are the two quotes that portray the lack of agards identity
“bandage up me eye”
“ dem tell me”
write a small analysis for the quote “bandage up me eye”
injury like, implying the speaker has been hurt by his sheltered upbringing
write a small analysis for the quote “dem tell me”
reptation mirrors rote learning (memorising through repetition) and can present how agard had to learn his own history due to the lack of personal relevance it had to him growing up.
by starting every stanza with it presents how colonialism dominated his life and now it dominates the poem
- presents his desire and desperation to have his message heard
what are the two quotes that portray the cruelty of colonialism
” blind me to me own identity”
“i carving out me indentity”
write a small analysis for the quote “blind me to me own identity”
metaphor, deliberate abuse inflicted by colonial control. presents how education about his identify and culture changed the way he views the world
write a small analysis for the quote “i carving out me identity”
aggressive metaphor, the need to create a secure identity but also the active verb presents how it is an ongoing process. carving refers to wood so cutting out his identity will be a long and painful process as he was deceived of it as a child
what poems can you compare to checking out me history and what are the two main points of comparison
the emigree - in comh the poet demonises his childhood whereas the emigree it is dreamlike and idolised, both show emotional significance to their cultural identity
Ozymandias - being able to change his identity compared to ozys where his corruption of power is permanent, pain inflicted by oppression of identity
