Halfe Caste Flashcards

1
Q

Who is John Agard?

A

John Agard is an Afro-Guyanese poet and playwright who now lives in the UK. When he moved to the UK in the 1970s, he began teaching people about Caribbean culture and worked in a library. He often conveys his Caribbean voice in his poems, using non - standard spelling to represent his accent. His poems are often rebellious in nature, challenging common ways.

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2
Q

What is meant by the term ‘halfe caste’?

A

Half-caste is a term used to describe people of mixed race or ethnicity. In a number of countries across the world, including Australia and New Zealand, it is seen as a deeply offensive term, whilst in countries like the UK, it is seen increasingly as an offensive term, due to the fact that it implies that someone is ‘half-pure’ (with the white half being the ‘pure’ half). The National Union of Journalists have stated that the term is considered offensive today.

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3
Q

How is conflict used?

A

Conflict here in this poem is used between different backgrounds.

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4
Q

How is structure used?

A

Structure – The poem appears to be split into two main halves. In the opening half of the poem, Agard uses a range of humerous analogies to show that the word ‘half-caste’ has no meaning. In the second half of the poem, the speaker sarcastically discusses being half a person. He ends by asking
the reader to use their ‘whole mind’ before addressing him.

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