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35
3
S
Savannah Madigan
19/07/2025
English Literature
“checking out me history” by John Agard
1,236
•
19 Jul 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.
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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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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 a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and 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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user