Checking Out Me History (John Agard)

Checking Out Me History by John Agard is a powerful and impassioned poem that challenges traditional narratives of history and celebrates the voices of marginalised individuals and communities. Through a blend of historical and cultural references, Agard explores themes of identity, empowerment, and the importance of reclaiming one's own history. You can read the poem below and will find detailed analysis further down the page.

Checking Out Me History by John Agard

Dem tell me 
Dem tell me Wha dem want to tell me 

Bandage up me eye with me own history 
Blind me to me own identity 

Dem tell me bout 1066 and all dat 
Dem tell me bout Dick Whittington and he cat 
But Toussaint L’Ouverture 
No dem never tell me bout dat 

Toussaint 
A slave 
With vision 
Lick back 
Napoleon 
Battalion 
And first Black 
Republic born 
Toussaint de thorn 
To de French 
Toussaint de beacon 
Of de Haitian Revolution

Dem tell me bout de man who discover de balloon 
And de cow who jump over de moon 
Dem tell me bout de dish ran away with de spoon 
But dem never tell me bout Nanny de maroon 

Nanny 
See-far woman 
Of mountain dream 
Fire-woman struggle 
Hopeful stream 
To freedom river 

Dem tell me bout Lord Nelson and Waterloo 
But dem never tell me bout Shaka de great Zulu 
Dem tell me bout Columbus and 1492 
But what happen to de Caribs and de Arawaks too 

Dem tell me bout Florence Nightingale and she lamp 
And how Robin Hood used to camp 
Dem tell me bout ole King Cole was a merry ole soul 
But dem never tell me bout Mary Seacole 

From Jamaica 
She travel far 
To the Crimean War 
She volunteer to go 
And even when de British said no 
She still brave the Russian snow 
A healing star 
Among the wounded 
A yellow sunrise 
To the dying 

Dem tell me 
Dem tell me wha dem want to tell me 
But now I checking out me own history 
I carving out me identity

Analysis

Context

"Checking Out Me History" is included in the GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology "Power and Conflict," which features poems reflecting on various aspects of power, including its manifestations in historical narratives. John Agard, a British-Guyanese poet, draws on his Caribbean heritage and experiences of colonialism to craft a poem that critiques Eurocentric versions of history and advocates for the recognition of diverse cultural perspectives.

Themes

Identity and Cultural Heritage: Central to the poem is the theme of identity and cultural heritage. Agard explores how individuals are shaped by their cultural histories and ancestral legacies, highlighting the importance of reclaiming and celebrating one's own history. The poem challenges the dominance of Eurocentric narratives and celebrates the richness and diversity of global cultures.

Empowerment and Resistance: "Checking Out Me History" also delves into themes of empowerment and resistance. Agard celebrates the voices of marginalised individuals and communities who have traditionally been excluded from mainstream historical accounts, highlighting their resilience and agency in the face of oppression. The poem reflects on the power of reclaiming one's own history as a form of resistance against colonialism and cultural hegemony.

Language and Voice: The poem explores the role of language and voice in shaping historical narratives. Agard employs a blend of Standard English and Caribbean Creole to create a distinctive linguistic style that reflects his multicultural heritage. Through the use of dialect and colloquial language, Agard amplifies the voices of marginalised individuals and challenges traditional notions of linguistic authority and legitimacy.

Imagery and Language

Agard employs vivid imagery and evocative language to bring historical figures and events to life. Descriptions of "Nanny de maroon" and "Toussaint de beacon" evoke the resilience and courage of historical figures who fought against colonial oppression. The use of repetition, such as "dem tell me" and "bandage up me eye with me own history," reinforces the poem's themes of empowerment and resistance, emphasising the importance of reclaiming one's own history.

Structure and Form

"Checking Out Me History" is structured as a series of stanzas of varying lengths, with irregular line lengths and rhythms. This free verse form mirrors the fluidity and diversity of cultural histories, allowing for a flexible exploration of different voices and perspectives. The use of enjambment between lines creates a sense of continuity and flow, reinforcing the poem's themes of interconnectedness and solidarity.

Tone and Perspective

The tone of the poem is defiant and celebratory, as the speaker asserts his right to reclaim his own history. Agard adopts a first-person perspective, allowing readers to empathise with the speaker's experiences of cultural erasure and marginalisation. The use of direct address, such as "dem tell me," invites readers to challenge their own assumptions about history and confront the perceived biases and omissions inherent in traditional narratives.

Characterisation

While "Checking Out Me History" primarily focuses on historical figures and events, Agard subtly hints at the broader social and political context that underlies the poem. Through descriptions of "Blinding" and "Bandage," Agard acknowledges the legacy of colonialism and cultural imperialism that has shaped historical narratives. The poem celebrates the resilience and agency of individuals who have resisted oppression and reclaimed their own histories.

Social Commentary

Through the lens of the speaker's experiences, Agard offers a broader commentary on the power dynamics inherent in historical narratives. The poem invites readers to critically examine the ways in which history is constructed and transmitted, and to recognise the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in shaping our understanding of the past. By celebrating the voices of traditionally marginalised individuals and communities, Agard challenges readers to confront the biases and omissions inherent in traditional historical accounts.

Conclusion

"Checking Out Me History" by John Agard is a powerful celebration of cultural heritage and resistance. Through its vivid imagery, evocative language, and defiant tone, the poem challenges traditional narratives of history and advocates for the recognition of diverse voices and perspectives. As part of the GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology "Power and Conflict," "Checking Out Me History" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reclaiming and celebrating one's own history in the face of cultural oppression.

You can find analysis of all the Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here.