Checking Out My History

Question 1

Structure

Answer 1

Dual structure
The division between stanzas though agards use of italics shows the separation between the history he was taught and black history
Stanza organiseation
Each stanza end with a reference to a black historical figure;this indicates significance to agard
Enjambment
This shows how much agard cares about the equal teaching of histroy

Question 2

Theme

Answer 2

Identity
Pride
Power
Anger

Question 3

Quote 1

Answer 3

‘Dem tell me… dem tell me wha dem want to tell me

‘Dem’ has undertones of disrespect and creates a distance between e speakers and the writers of white history

• Repetition of dem’ throughout builds up and creates an angry tone,

Question 4

Quote 2

Answer 4

‘Bandage up my eye with me own history’

o Metaphor for him not being able to learn about or celebrate his history

• connotations of violence and restriction, they show the pain caused by being cut off from his history

Question 5

Quote 3

Answer 5

‘But now I checking out me own history… I carving out me own identity’

o ‘Carving has hints of rebellion and shows the need to fight to disc
his identity and share it with others

• ‘Identity’ is the final word in the poem as if to emphasise its significance to him

Question 6

Context

Answer 6

he poem focuses on the holes in the British colonial education system—particularly that system’s omission of important figures from African, Caribbean, and indigenous history