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Checking Out Me History: Key Quotes, Themes, and Annotations

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Sophia + Charlotte

2/10/2023

English Literature

Power and Conflict poetry - Checking out me History

Checking Out Me History: Key Quotes, Themes, and Annotations

Checking Out Me History by John Agard is a powerful poem that explores themes of identity, history, and cultural erasure. The poem critiques the Eurocentric education system and emphasizes the importance of learning about one's own cultural heritage. Checking Out Me History key quotes and structure reveal a stark contrast between the narrator's formal education and the rich history of Black and Caribbean figures he discovers on his own.

  • The poem uses repetition, rhyme, and Caribbean dialect to create a rhythmic, oral poetry style.
  • It contrasts well-known European historical figures with lesser-known Black and Caribbean heroes.
  • The poem emphasizes themes of vision and blindness as metaphors for knowledge and ignorance.
  • Checking Out Me History themes include cultural identity, the power of education, and the importance of diverse historical perspectives.
...

2/10/2023

5168

1
Checking Out Me History
Dem tell me repition creates a sense of them and us"
Dem tell me
Wha dem want to tell me
10
15
John
Agard
(b. 1949

View

Page 2: Continuing Themes and Conclusion

The second page of the Checking Out Me History annotated PDF continues to contrast European historical figures with those from Black and Caribbean history. The poem maintains its rhythmic structure and use of Caribbean dialect, reinforcing the narrator's cultural identity.

The poem introduces additional historical figures, such as Nanny de Maroon, described as a "fire-woman" and "see-far woman," emphasizing her strength and foresight. This contrasts with the European figures mentioned, like Lord Nelson and Christopher Columbus.

Definition: Nanny de Maroon was a leader of the Jamaican Maroons in the 18th century, known for her role in resisting British colonial rule.

The poem critiques the omission of important Black historical figures from traditional education. It mentions Shaka the great Zulu and questions what happened to the Caribs and Arawaks, indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.

Highlight: The line "but what happen to de Caribs and de Arawaks too" draws attention to the often-overlooked impact of colonization on indigenous populations.

Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse who served in the Crimean War, is presented as a counterpoint to Florence Nightingale. The poem emphasizes Seacole's bravery and dedication, describing her as "a healing star / among the wounded / a yellow sunrise / to the dying."

Quote: "she still brave the Russian snow" underscores Mary Seacole's determination and courage in the face of adversity.

The poem concludes with a powerful statement of self-determination. The narrator declares, "But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity," emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's own historical narrative and cultural identity.

Highlight: The final lines of the poem encapsulate its main themes of reclaiming one's history and forging a strong sense of identity.

Checking Out Me History analysis reveals a complex exploration of cultural identity, historical erasure, and the power of education. The poem's structure and use of language reinforce its themes, creating a powerful critique of Eurocentric historical narratives and emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding the past.

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English Literature

5,168

Feb 10, 2023

2 pages

Checking Out Me History: Key Quotes, Themes, and Annotations

Checking Out Me History by John Agard is a powerful poem that explores themes of identity, history, and cultural erasure. The poem critiques the Eurocentric education system and emphasizes the importance of learning about one's own cultural heritage. Checking Out... Show more

1
Checking Out Me History
Dem tell me repition creates a sense of them and us"
Dem tell me
Wha dem want to tell me
10
15
John
Agard
(b. 1949

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Page 2: Continuing Themes and Conclusion

The second page of the Checking Out Me History annotated PDF continues to contrast European historical figures with those from Black and Caribbean history. The poem maintains its rhythmic structure and use of Caribbean dialect, reinforcing the narrator's cultural identity.

The poem introduces additional historical figures, such as Nanny de Maroon, described as a "fire-woman" and "see-far woman," emphasizing her strength and foresight. This contrasts with the European figures mentioned, like Lord Nelson and Christopher Columbus.

Definition: Nanny de Maroon was a leader of the Jamaican Maroons in the 18th century, known for her role in resisting British colonial rule.

The poem critiques the omission of important Black historical figures from traditional education. It mentions Shaka the great Zulu and questions what happened to the Caribs and Arawaks, indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.

Highlight: The line "but what happen to de Caribs and de Arawaks too" draws attention to the often-overlooked impact of colonization on indigenous populations.

Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse who served in the Crimean War, is presented as a counterpoint to Florence Nightingale. The poem emphasizes Seacole's bravery and dedication, describing her as "a healing star / among the wounded / a yellow sunrise / to the dying."

Quote: "she still brave the Russian snow" underscores Mary Seacole's determination and courage in the face of adversity.

The poem concludes with a powerful statement of self-determination. The narrator declares, "But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity," emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's own historical narrative and cultural identity.

Highlight: The final lines of the poem encapsulate its main themes of reclaiming one's history and forging a strong sense of identity.

Checking Out Me History analysis reveals a complex exploration of cultural identity, historical erasure, and the power of education. The poem's structure and use of language reinforce its themes, creating a powerful critique of Eurocentric historical narratives and emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding the past.

1
Checking Out Me History
Dem tell me repition creates a sense of them and us"
Dem tell me
Wha dem want to tell me
10
15
John
Agard
(b. 1949

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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 Structure

The first page of the Checking Out Me History poem pdf introduces the poem's structure and key themes. John Agard, born in 1949, uses repetition and Caribbean dialect to create a sense of "them and us" between the narrator and the educational system.

The poem's structure incorporates oral poetry features, including strong rhymes and broken syntax, emphasizing the importance of oral communication in Caribbean culture. The use of phonetic spelling reflects the narrator's Caribbean accent, further reinforcing the theme of cultural identity.

Highlight: The poem's opening lines, "Dem tell me / Wha dem want to tell me," immediately establish the conflict between the narrator's received education and his desire for a more inclusive history.

The poem employs metaphors of vision and blindness to represent knowledge and ignorance. This is evident in lines such as "Bandage up me eye with me own history," suggesting that the narrator's true heritage has been hidden from him.

Quote: "Blind me to me own identity" emphasizes how the lack of cultural education has affected the narrator's sense of self.

The poem contrasts British historical figures and events with those from Black and Caribbean history. For example, it mentions "Dick Whittington and he cat" alongside "Toussaint L'Ouverture," highlighting the disparity in historical education.

Example: The poem references "1066 and all dat" as an example of British history taught in schools, while introducing Toussaint L'Ouverture as a significant figure in Black history who is often overlooked.

The use of nursery rhymes and pantomime references serves to make British history seem trivial compared to the more substantial figures from Black history, such as Toussaint L'Ouverture, who is described as "de thorn / to de French / Toussaint de beacon / of de Haitian Revolution."

Vocabulary: "Maroon" refers to escaped slaves who formed independent settlements, highlighting the poem's focus on resistance and freedom.

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Elisha

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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