Analysis of Structure and Language

The Checking Out Me History structure is designed to reflect the poet's journey from imposed education to self-discovery.

1. Opening stanzas: Short, nursery rhyme-like verses mimic the simplistic way British history was taught.
2. Middle section: Longer stanzas introduce Caribbean and African historical figures, expanding the narrative.
3. Concluding lines: A powerful statement of intent to reclaim cultural identity.

Example: The contrast between "Dem tell me bout Dick Whittington and he cat" and the more complex stanza about Toussaint L'Ouverture demonstrates this structural evolution.

Language choices in the poem serve multiple purposes:

1. Dialect: Reinforces cultural identity and challenges Standard English dominance.
2. Repetition: "Dem tell me" emphasizes the imposed nature of education.
3. Metaphors: "Bandage up me eye with me own history" illustrates the blinding effect of cultural erasure.

Definition: Creole English - A language that develops from the mixing of two or more languages, often in colonial contexts.

The poem's lack of punctuation and use of enjambment create a sense of urgency and flow, reflecting Agard's passion for reclaiming his history.

Highlight: The italicized sections about Caribbean and African figures visually set them apart, emphasizing their importance to the poet's cultural identity.

These Checking Out Me History key quotes demonstrate the poem's themes and techniques:

1. "Dem tell me bout 1066 and all dat" - Mocking tone towards British history education.
2. "Toussaint de thorn / to de French" - Metaphor elevating a Caribbean hero.
3. "I carving out me identity" - Active reclamation of cultural heritage.

Context and Background

Checking Out Me History context is crucial to understanding the poem's significance. John Agard, born in 1949 in British Guiana (now Guyana), experienced firsthand the effects of colonial education.

The poem reflects Agard's frustration with the British education system, which prioritized European history over the rich cultural heritage of his homeland. This Checking Out Me History poem Summary explores how Agard challenges this educational bias.

Highlight: Agard grew up in British Guiana, which was colonized by Britain at the time. The education system followed British standards, focusing on British history rather than local culture.

The poem's structure and language choices reflect Agard's desire to reclaim his cultural identity:

1. Use of dialect: Agard incorporates Caribbean Creole English to assert his cultural voice.
2. Repetition: The phrase "Dem tell me" emphasizes the imposed nature of British education.
3. Contrast: Agard juxtaposes well-known British historical figures with Caribbean and African heroes.

Quote: "Dem tell me / Wha dem want to tell me / But now I checking out me own history / I carving out me identity"

These lines encapsulate the poem's central theme of reclaiming one's cultural heritage and identity.

Vocabulary: "Dem" - Creole English for "they," used to refer to the British educational authorities.