Checking Out Me History

Question 1

What are the main themes in COMH?

Answer 1

• Reclaiming identity
• Inequality
• Power of knowledge

Question 2

What is the form, rhyme and structure like in COMH?

Answer 2

• Lyrical -> Doggerell -> Child-like
• Quatrains 
• Contrast: Ridicule vs Seriousness
• Italics: No rhyme 
Non-italics: Lots of rhyme
• Structure is used to reclaim his identity
• Lots of tonal shifts

Question 3

What are some good quotes in COMH?

Answer 3

• “Dem tell me” -> Repetition
• “Bandage up me eye (with me own history)” -> Metaphor
• “Toussaint de thorn” -> Anthropomorphism
• “Fire-woman” -> Metaphor
• “Robin Hood used to camp” vs “Crimean War” -> Juxtaposition
• “Carving out me identity” -> Metaphor

Question 4

What effect does “dem tell me” have?

Answer 4

• Emphasises forcefulness

Question 5

What effect does “bandage up me eye (with me own history)” have?

Answer 5

• Forcefulness and ignorance

* Power of education

Question 6

What effect does “Toussaint de thorn” have?

Answer 6

• Strength

* Symbolism for a problem

Question 7

What effect does “fire-woman” have?

Answer 7

• Power

Question 8

What effect does “Robin Hood used to camp” vs “Crimean War” have?

Answer 8

• Seriousness vs Joke

* Emphasis on how Seacole helped people + her bravery

Question 9

What effect does “carving out me identity” have?

Answer 9

• Determination

* Power of identity