‘Half-caste’ – John Agard

Question 1

what is the general over view for ‘Half-caste’

Answer 1

A direct address to someone who has called the speaker ‘half-caste’. He describes to the accuser how there are many great things in the
World that are mixed. He further ridicules the racist by imagining he only has half of hid body parts. Agard concludes the poem with a reflection for the person to come back the next day.

Question 2

what are the Key themes in ‘Half-caste’

Answer 2

Identity
Prejudice and Racism
Art and Culture
Anger and Protest
Voice and Empowerment

Question 3

what are some language points in the poem ‘Half-caste’

Answer 3

• Agard uses his native dialect to make the poem seem more authentic and it reflects his culturla identity “Explain yuself / wha yu mean / when yu say half-caste”
• The phrase “Explain yuself” is repeated throughout the poem. It becomes a challenge—like the speaker is confronting the reader or society directly.
• The speaker talks directly to the audience using “yu.” This makes the poem feel confrontational and personal
• powerful metaphors and imagery - “when light an shadow / mix in de sky / is a half-caste weather”
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Question 4

What are some form points in the poem ‘Half-caste’

Answer 4

• The sentence structure is loose, informal, and fragmented, like spoken word. This mimics natural speech and makes the poem feel more like a conversation or rant.
• The poem has no regular rhyme or rhythm – it’s written in free verse. This reflects the theme of freedom of identity
• Designed to be read aloud or performed—you can hear the rhythm, accent, and emotion.
• Agard often leaves out capital letters and punctuation to show he rejects society’s expectations and being proud of his cultural identity.

Question 5

What other poems does ‘Half-caste’ link to ?

Answer 5

“Search for My Tongue” – Sujata Bhatt
Themes: Identity, Language, Cultural Conflict