Halfe Caste Flashcards
Who is John Agard?
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.
What is meant by the term ‘halfe caste’?
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.
How is conflict used?
Conflict here in this poem is used between different backgrounds.
How is structure used?
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.
