Checkin Out Me History

Front 1

Structure

Back 1

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

Front 2

Imagery 1

Back 2

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 Even "1066 and all dat", which might appear to be an historical reference, is probably citing a humorous book (published in 1930) famous for its irreverent parody of histories of England.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.

Front 3

Imagery 2

Back 3

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.

Front 4

Imagery 3

Back 4

All three are associated with light - "beacon", "fire-woman" and "star" - suggesting that they play metaphorical roles, illuminating the poet's true historical identity.

Front 5

Attitudes, Themes, and Ideas

Back 5

What kind of tone does the poem have? 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".

Front 6

Attitudes, Themes, and Ideas 2

Back 6

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.

Front 7

Sound

Back 7

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.

Front 8

Context

Back 8

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.

Front 9

Context 2

Back 9

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.

Front 10

Context 3

Back 10

He challenges this view of history and cites some major black figures to balance the bias and create a basis for his own identity.

Front 11

Give a quote for repetition 1
Give a quote for rhyme 2
Give a quote for metaphor 3
Give a quote for juxtaposition 4

Back 11

1 Personal pronouns "me" "own" - personal response - real person
2 "Napoleon" "battalion" and "born" "thorn", feels like nursery rhyme, more well-known than black history, feels they should have same recognition
3 "beacon", for light = truth and hope
4 "Florence Nightingale" "Robin Hood" - real vs fictional - both irrelevant to him - provides irrelevant about them - Florence's "lamp" - Robin Hood "used to camp" - doesn't mean much to him

Front 12

What are the connotations when the poet says he is 'CARVING OUT' his identity?

Back 12

A memorial, he is digging deep, creating his identity, having an impact/effect