Flashcards on 'Checking Out Me History' by John Agard

Front

Brief summary of "Checking Out Me History"

Back

The speaker recounts historical figures taught in childhood and those from black history who were omitted, resolving to discover his own heritage.

Front

Synopsis of the poem's structure

Back

The poem lists historical figures, uses italics for black history figures like Toussaint L’Ouverture, and concludes with the speaker's resolve to research their own history.

Front

Context of John Agard's education

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Agard was educated under colonial rule in Guyana, receiving a Eurocentric view of history, which denied him his cultural identity.

Front

Repetition in "Dem tell me"

Back

Creates an accusatory tone, showing the speaker's anger.

Front

"Italics" in the poem

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Highlight the two accounts of history being distinctly separate.

Front

"Bandage up me eye"

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Implies the speaker feels hurt by his sheltered upbringing.

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Semantic field of childhood

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Indicates the speaker feels he has lost his childhood and is stuck in the past.

Front

Toussaint L’Ouverture

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A slave with vision, leader of the Haitian Revolution.

Front

Nanny of the Maroons

Back

Described as a "see-far woman" and "fire-woman struggle" leading to freedom.

Front

Nanny de Maroon

Back

Female leader of the Jamaica maroons who escaped from slavery in Jamaica. Known for her military leadership and oral tradition.