Checking Out Me History

Question 1

Who wrote Checking Out Me History

Answer 1

John Agard

Question 2

What is the structure of Checking Out Me History

Answer 2

Dramatic monologue- in the form of a speech

Question 3

What are the key themes of Checking Out Me History?

Answer 3

Identity- the poet is reclaiming their own history to embrace their identity
Historical neglect- powerful figures from non-white and non-western countries have been ignored from British education
Power and control- uses oral poetry to reclaim control over history that matters but no one knows about.

Question 4

Who are the historical figures in Checking Out Me History?

Answer 4

Toussaint L’ouverture
Nanny de Maroon
Mary Seacole

Question 5

What are some key quotes from Checking Out Me History?

Answer 5

“Dem tell me, dem tell me”- repetition significance, loaded word creates distance
“Blind to me own identity”- metaphor, blind and bandage have connotations of violence and control