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3 Dec 2025

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3 pages

Comparative Analysis of London and Checking Out Me History

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Kimmy @kimberlyfernandes_qzce

Ever wondered how poets use their words to fight against unfairness and oppression? Blake's "London" and Agard's "Checking... Show more

# London Vs COMH:

Oppression/Misuse of Power:

Blake's dramatic monologue 'London' exposes the despair and misery caused by the
corruption

Understanding Oppression in Both Poems

Both Blake and Agard tackle oppression head-on, but they're fighting different battles. Blake's angry about how the government, church, and monarchy were crushing ordinary people in 18th-century London. Meanwhile, Agard's frustrated about how British colonial rule stopped him from learning about his own Caribbean heritage.

Agard uses clever techniques like anaphora (repeating "Dem tell me") to show his anger. The word "Dem" (meaning "them" in Creole dialect) creates a clear "us versus them" situation between the oppressed and their colonial rulers. It's like he's saying "these people keep forcing their history on me!"

The metaphor "Bandage me up with my own identity" is particularly powerful - it suggests that Agard feels wounded by being denied knowledge of black history. The bandage covers up something important, just like how his true cultural identity has been hidden from him.

Blake uses the word "chartered" to describe both streets and the Thames river. This shows how everything in London is controlled and owned by the powerful, leaving ordinary people with zero freedom. You can't even escape it - like the river, this control flows everywhere.

Key insight Both poets use repetition and metaphors to show how oppressive power affects people's lives and identities.

# London Vs COMH:

Oppression/Misuse of Power:

Blake's dramatic monologue 'London' exposes the despair and misery caused by the
corruption

Contrasting Responses Despair vs Hope

Here's where the poems really differ - Blake paints a picture of complete hopelessness, while Agard fights back with celebration and rebellion. Blake's London feels trapped, but Agard refuses to stay defeated.

Blake's metaphor "mind-forged manacles" is brilliant but depressing. These mental chains suggest that people have been so brainwashed, they've basically imprisoned themselves. The word "mind-forged" makes these chains sound unbreakable, which is pretty bleak.

Agard takes the opposite approach with his motif of light. When he describes Mary Seacole as "a healing star" and "a yellow sunrise," he's fighting back against the darkness of oppression. Stars guide people through dark times, and this metaphor suggests that even after these heroes die, their influence continues.

The reference to Mary Seacole is especially smart - she was a brilliant nurse who helped British troops but got forgotten whilst Florence Nightingale became famous. Agard's basically saying "look at the amazing people you've been taught to ignore!"

Agard's use of free verse and Creole dialect shows he's rejecting the rules imposed on him. The verb "carving" in "carving out me identity" suggests hard work and permanence - he's creating something that will last.

Remember Blake exposes problems to inspire change, while Agard shows people they have the power to fight back.

# London Vs COMH:

Oppression/Misuse of Power:

Blake's dramatic monologue 'London' exposes the despair and misery caused by the
corruption

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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

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

 

English Literature

585

3 Dec 2025

3 pages

Comparative Analysis of London and Checking Out Me History

user profile picture

Kimmy

@kimberlyfernandes_qzce

Ever wondered how poets use their words to fight against unfairness and oppression? Blake's "London" and Agard's "Checking Out Me History" are powerful examples of how literature can expose corruption and inspire change, though they take very different approaches to... Show more

# London Vs COMH:

Oppression/Misuse of Power:

Blake's dramatic monologue 'London' exposes the despair and misery caused by the
corruption

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

Understanding Oppression in Both Poems

Both Blake and Agard tackle oppression head-on, but they're fighting different battles. Blake's angry about how the government, church, and monarchy were crushing ordinary people in 18th-century London. Meanwhile, Agard's frustrated about how British colonial rule stopped him from learning about his own Caribbean heritage.

Agard uses clever techniques like anaphora (repeating "Dem tell me") to show his anger. The word "Dem" (meaning "them" in Creole dialect) creates a clear "us versus them" situation between the oppressed and their colonial rulers. It's like he's saying "these people keep forcing their history on me!"

The metaphor "Bandage me up with my own identity" is particularly powerful - it suggests that Agard feels wounded by being denied knowledge of black history. The bandage covers up something important, just like how his true cultural identity has been hidden from him.

Blake uses the word "chartered" to describe both streets and the Thames river. This shows how everything in London is controlled and owned by the powerful, leaving ordinary people with zero freedom. You can't even escape it - like the river, this control flows everywhere.

Key insight: Both poets use repetition and metaphors to show how oppressive power affects people's lives and identities.

# London Vs COMH:

Oppression/Misuse of Power:

Blake's dramatic monologue 'London' exposes the despair and misery caused by the
corruption

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

Contrasting Responses: Despair vs Hope

Here's where the poems really differ - Blake paints a picture of complete hopelessness, while Agard fights back with celebration and rebellion. Blake's London feels trapped, but Agard refuses to stay defeated.

Blake's metaphor "mind-forged manacles" is brilliant but depressing. These mental chains suggest that people have been so brainwashed, they've basically imprisoned themselves. The word "mind-forged" makes these chains sound unbreakable, which is pretty bleak.

Agard takes the opposite approach with his motif of light. When he describes Mary Seacole as "a healing star" and "a yellow sunrise," he's fighting back against the darkness of oppression. Stars guide people through dark times, and this metaphor suggests that even after these heroes die, their influence continues.

The reference to Mary Seacole is especially smart - she was a brilliant nurse who helped British troops but got forgotten whilst Florence Nightingale became famous. Agard's basically saying "look at the amazing people you've been taught to ignore!"

Agard's use of free verse and Creole dialect shows he's rejecting the rules imposed on him. The verb "carving" in "carving out me identity" suggests hard work and permanence - he's creating something that will last.

Remember: Blake exposes problems to inspire change, while Agard shows people they have the power to fight back.

# London Vs COMH:

Oppression/Misuse of Power:

Blake's dramatic monologue 'London' exposes the despair and misery caused by the
corruption

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

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.

8

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: William Blake's London

Most popular content in English Literature

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

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