Checking Out Me History Flashcards
Subject of Checking Out Me History by John Agard
This poem draws on Agard’s experience to make us look at the way history is taught, and at how we conceive our identity as we learn about cultural traditions and narratives.
It becomes clear that Agard had to follow a history curriculum biased towards whites, especially British whites, so that he learned about mythical, nursery rhyme characters instead of living black people from the past.
He challenges this view of history and cites some major black figures to balance the bias and create a basis for his own identity.
Structure of Checking Out Me History by John Agard
Checking Out Me History alternates between two structures, marked by two different fonts.
The first uses the repeated phrase “Dem tell me” to indicate the white version of history, mostly written in rhyming couplets, triplets or quatrains.
Interspersed are the stories of three black historical figures: Toussaint L’Overture, Nanny de Maroon and Mary Seacole, told using abbreviated syntax with words missed out, shorter lines and an irregular rhyme scheme.
Sound of Checking Out Me History by John Agard
Agard uses variations in spelling to suggest Caribbean dialect, especially replacing ‘th’ with ‘d’. This stresses the importance of carving out his “own identity”.
There is repetition - particularly of “Dem tell me” - throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm.
End rhyme is heavily used, emphasised by adapted sections of nursery rhymes: the dish who ran away with the spoon, and Old King Cole, for example.
Imagery of Checking Out Me History by John Agard
In the “Dem tell me” sections the poet refers to nursery rhyme characters and other non-historical people, like Robin Hood or the cow who jumped over the moon.
Even “1066 and all dat”, which might appear to be an historical reference, is probably citing a humorous book (published in 1930) famous for its irreverent parody of histories of England.
There’s a suggestion that the version of history taught to the poet is not exactly accurate even before you consider that black people have been completely left out.
The sections on individual black historical figures contain stronger imagery, with use of nature metaphors to powerful effect.
Toussaint L’Overture is a “thorn” and a “beacon”. Nanny de Maroon is linked with a mountain, fire and rivers.
Mary Seacole is described in dramatic imagery as a “healing star” and a “yellow sunrise” to the patients she treats.
All three are associated with light - “beacon”, “fire-woman” and “star” - suggesting that they play metaphorical roles, illuminating the poet’s true historical identity.
Attitudes, themes and ideas of Checking Out Me History by John Agard
Like the structure, the tone also divides into two.
The “Dem tell me” sections have an accusatory, rebellious tone to them, created by repetition and short lines at the beginning.
Whereas the sections on Toussaint L’Overture, Nanny de Maroon and Mary Seacole are celebratory in tone, emphasised by images of nature and using epic (out of the ordinary) vocabulary - words like “vision”, “see-far” and “star”.
It is a poem that challenges us to consider the meaning of history, how we come to know about the past and accept versions of history.
The poet might be provoking us to “check out” our own histories, particularly if they include periods or important figures not taught in schools.
Example comparisons to Checking Out Me History by John Agard
Give:
- Both these poems are concerned with challenging the status quo: both want change.
- The voice of the narrator in both poems is strong and direct, addressing the reader.
- The tone in each poem is different: in Give the tone is sarcastic, with a sense of hopelessness; whereas in Checking Out Me History the tone is confident and aims to bring about change.
Les Grands Seigneurs:
- Both poems use historical imagery to make their points; both use fantastical imagery to subvert a message.
- In both poems there’s a change in the power balance between the narrator and other characters.
- The narrator of Les Grands Seigneurs does not manage to carve her own identity, instead her “bluff” is called.
How is the narrator’s voice created in Checking Out Me History?
Non-standard spelling is used to create the impression of an accent.
Lots of repetition makes for a strong voice. In particular the words “Dem tell me” suggest an assertive, even aggressive voice.
The sections about black historical figures feature a change in tone, with natural imagery and vocabulary such as “see-far”, suggesting a celebratory tone.
The use of rhyme in the “Dem tell me” sections creates a sing-song tone that - combined with the use of nursery rhymes - suggests the narrator’s contempt for the white version of history.
The last line “But now I checking out me own history” suggests determination in the narrator’s voice, and a sense that things are going to change.
Context of Checking Out Me History by John Agard
John Agard was born in British Guiana (now called Guyana) in the Caribbean, in 1949.
He moved to the UK in the late 1970s and is well known for powerful and fun performances of his work.
He uses non-standard phonetic spelling (written as a word sounds) to represent his own accent, and writes about what it is like being black to challenge racist attitudes, especially those which are unthinking.
