Poetry - Checking Out Me History by John Agard

Question 1

Describe the repetition used in ‘COMH’

Answer 1

• The repetition of “Dem tell me” mirrors rote learning and it could be inferred that Agard had to rote learn the history he was taught due to its lack of personal relevance to him, It creates an oppressive tone to the teaching of history
• Each stanza starts with “Dem tell me” showing how colonial control has dominated his life and so the poem too.

Question 2

Describe the rhyme in ‘COMH’

Answer 2

The rhyme scheme ties together the sections concerning white and black history, showing how Agard is attempting to end segregation through literary unification.

Question 3

Describe the stanza organisation in ‘COMH’

Answer 3

• Each stanza ends with a reference to a black historical figure which shows their significant to Agard. Alternatively, this could symbolise how they are given prominence.
• Black history is given separated, dedicated stanzas to symbolise it finally receiving the respect and significance it deserves. The rich imagery in these stanzas juxtaposes with the almost childish lexis in other stanzas to show the beautiful and complete nature of black history

Question 4

Describe the enjambment in ‘COMH’

Answer 4

• The connective “But” is used to tie together black and white history implying that they cannot be separated and black history cannot be ignored
• It also shows that the speaker is attempting to express too much emotion to be constrained to a single line, showing how much Agard cared about the subject matter which has impacted him as a person

Question 5

Finish the quote: ‘Dem tell me…’

Answer 5

• “Dem tell me… dem tell me wha dem want to tell me’
• Loaded word and repetition
• The use of noun “dem” has undertones of disrespect and created a distance between the speaker and the writers of white history he condemns
• Repetition of “dem” throughout builds up and created an angry tone, conveying the speaker’s negative feeling towards those with authority to present a one-sided view of history

Question 6

Finish the quote: ‘ Bandage up me eye…’ and describe it

Answer 6

• “Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to me own identity”
• Metaphor for him not being able to learn or celebrate his history
• The verbs “bandage” and “blind” have connotations of violence and restriction, conveying the pain caused by being cut off from his history
• Alliteration of the harsh “b” sound reinforces the idea that the speaker feels this is unpleasant

Question 7

Finish the quote: ‘But now I checking…’ and describe it

Answer 7

• “But now I checking out me own history… I carving out me identity”
• Loaded verb “carving” had hints of rebellion and shows the need to fight to discover his identity and share it with others
• “Identity” is the final word in the poem as if to emphasise its significance