HALF CASTE Flashcards
(5 cards)
1
Q
Context
A
Born in Guyana, moved to London - poem uses Guyanese Creole and phonetic spelling
Found term ‘half-caste’ offensive and absurd - used commonly in society and explored here
Racist society - explores race issues
2
Q
Structure
A
Enjambment
Repetition
Shorter lines - drives message on
Lacks conventional punctuation - full control of rhythm and pace for readers
3
Q
Form
A
Dramatic monologue
Free verse - like a conversation and rant
No formal rhyme scheme - internal rhymes used
4
Q
Quotations
A
“Explain yuself /wha yu mean/ when you say half-caste”
“Listening to yu wid de keen half of mih ear”
“Offer yu half-a-hand”
“Dream half-a-dream”
“Cast half-a-shadow”
5
Q
Key themes
A
Anger, prejudice, individual experiences, identity
