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35
3
S
Savannah Madigan
10/16/2025
English Literature
“checking out me history” by John Agard
1,251
•
Oct 16, 2025
•
Checking Out Me History by John Agard - Poem Summary, Themes, and Analysis for Kids
S
Savannah Madigan
@savannahmadigan_ifqb
Page 2: Second Half of the Poem and Conclusion
The second half of Checking Out Me History continues the pattern of contrasting well-known Western figures with important Black historical figures who are often overlooked in traditional education.
Example: The poem mentions Florence Nightingale but emphasizes Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse who also served in the Crimean War.
Definition: Mary Seacole - A British-Jamaican nurse who set up the "British Hotel" behind the lines during the Crimean War.
Agard introduces other significant Black historical figures:
- Nanny of the Maroons, described as a "see-far woman" and "fire-woman struggle"
- Shaka, the great Zulu leader
The poem also touches on the often-overlooked impact of colonization on indigenous peoples:
Quote: "Dem tell me bout Columbus and 1492 / but what happen to de Caribs and de Arawaks too"
Towards the end, the poem shifts from passive reception of history to active engagement:
Highlight: The lines "But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity" signify the speaker's determination to learn about their own cultural heritage.
This shift emphasizes the main theme of the poem: the importance of understanding one's own history and cultural identity, rather than accepting a narrow, imposed historical narrative.
Vocabulary: Identity - The characteristics determining who or what a person is, including their cultural and historical background.
The structure of Checking Out Me History reinforces its message through repetition, contrast, and a gradual shift from passive to active voice. This structure mirrors the speaker's journey from being told a selective history to actively seeking out their own cultural narrative.
Page 1: Introduction and First Half of the Poem
Checking Out Me History by John Agard begins with a powerful repetition of "Dem tell me," establishing the poem's central theme of imposed historical narratives. The speaker expresses frustration with being taught only selected aspects of history, primarily focused on Western figures and events.
Highlight: The repeated phrase "Dem tell me" creates a sense of separation, emphasizing how others are imposing their cultural narrative on the speaker.
The poem introduces the concept of being "bandaged" by a selective history, effectively blinding the speaker to their own identity. This metaphor is particularly striking:
Quote: "Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to me own identity"
Agard contrasts well-known Western historical events and figures with lesser-known Black historical figures. For example:
Example: The poem mentions "Dick Whittington and he cat" but then introduces Toussaint L'Ouverture, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution, who is not typically taught in Western curricula.
Vocabulary: Toussaint L'Ouverture - A leader of the Haitian Revolution who helped establish Haiti as the first Black republic.
The structure of the poem alternates between what "dem tell me" and what "dem never tell me," highlighting the gaps in historical education.
Highlight: The use of non-standard English and Caribbean dialect adds authenticity to the speaker's voice and emphasizes the cultural disconnect.
The poem also touches on the historical context of colonialism and imperialism, reflecting Agard's own background as someone born in British Guyana during the colonial era.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Checking Out Me History by John Agard - Poem Summary, Themes, and Analysis for Kids
S
Savannah Madigan
@savannahmadigan_ifqb
Checking Out Me History by John Agardis a powerful poem that explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the importance of learning one's own history. The poem critiques the Eurocentric education system and emphasizes the need for a more... Show more
Page 2: Second Half of the Poem and Conclusion
The second half of Checking Out Me History continues the pattern of contrasting well-known Western figures with important Black historical figures who are often overlooked in traditional education.
Example: The poem mentions Florence Nightingale but emphasizes Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse who also served in the Crimean War.
Definition: Mary Seacole - A British-Jamaican nurse who set up the "British Hotel" behind the lines during the Crimean War.
Agard introduces other significant Black historical figures:
- Nanny of the Maroons, described as a "see-far woman" and "fire-woman struggle"
- Shaka, the great Zulu leader
The poem also touches on the often-overlooked impact of colonization on indigenous peoples:
Quote: "Dem tell me bout Columbus and 1492 / but what happen to de Caribs and de Arawaks too"
Towards the end, the poem shifts from passive reception of history to active engagement:
Highlight: The lines "But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity" signify the speaker's determination to learn about their own cultural heritage.
This shift emphasizes the main theme of the poem: the importance of understanding one's own history and cultural identity, rather than accepting a narrow, imposed historical narrative.
Vocabulary: Identity - The characteristics determining who or what a person is, including their cultural and historical background.
The structure of Checking Out Me History reinforces its message through repetition, contrast, and a gradual shift from passive to active voice. This structure mirrors the speaker's journey from being told a selective history to actively seeking out their own cultural narrative.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1: Introduction and First Half of the Poem
Checking Out Me History by John Agard begins with a powerful repetition of "Dem tell me," establishing the poem's central theme of imposed historical narratives. The speaker expresses frustration with being taught only selected aspects of history, primarily focused on Western figures and events.
Highlight: The repeated phrase "Dem tell me" creates a sense of separation, emphasizing how others are imposing their cultural narrative on the speaker.
The poem introduces the concept of being "bandaged" by a selective history, effectively blinding the speaker to their own identity. This metaphor is particularly striking:
Quote: "Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to me own identity"
Agard contrasts well-known Western historical events and figures with lesser-known Black historical figures. For example:
Example: The poem mentions "Dick Whittington and he cat" but then introduces Toussaint L'Ouverture, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution, who is not typically taught in Western curricula.
Vocabulary: Toussaint L'Ouverture - A leader of the Haitian Revolution who helped establish Haiti as the first Black republic.
The structure of the poem alternates between what "dem tell me" and what "dem never tell me," highlighting the gaps in historical education.
Highlight: The use of non-standard English and Caribbean dialect adds authenticity to the speaker's voice and emphasizes the cultural disconnect.
The poem also touches on the historical context of colonialism and imperialism, reflecting Agard's own background as someone born in British Guyana during the colonial era.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user