Checking Out Me History ANSWERS EVERY Power and Conflict Question! (Prediction for EVERY YEAR)

Summary

In this insightful analysis, the speaker compares John Agard's poem *Checking Out My History* with various other poems, exploring themes of colonialism, war, identity, and power. The discussion focuses on Agard's critique of Eurocentric history and his call for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the past, contrasting his optimism with the despair and critique found in other poems like *Poppies*, *Kamikaze*, and *Exposure*. By comparing historical perspectives and the impact of exclusion, the speaker emphasizes Agard's effort to reclaim black identity and transform societal perceptions of history through poetry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Agard's poem 'Checking Out My History' critiques the Eurocentric perspective of history and the exclusion of Black history from mainstream education.
• 😀 The poem encourages both Black and white readers to understand and appreciate the significance of Black history, promoting identity reclamation and cultural awareness.
• 😀 Agard contrasts colonial power and war through comparisons with other war-related poems, focusing on the psychological impact of war and the importance of women's roles in history.
• 😀 'Checking Out My History' is a call for recognition of the historical contributions of Black individuals, while critiquing the cultural erasure caused by British colonialism.
• 😀 The poem emphasizes hope and optimism, contrasting with poems like 'War Photographer' and 'Kamika'zi', which are more pessimistic about the impact of conflict and cultural exclusion.
• 😀 Agard’s view of history is that it should be inclusive and not only reflect the perspective of colonial powers but also acknowledge marginalized communities.
• 😀 Agard critiques the British colonial narrative while celebrating diversity and the potential for societal transformation through education and historical awareness.
• 😀 Agard’s poem uses imagery of nature and healing, highlighting the positive role of nature in restoring balance, unlike in other poems where nature is portrayed as threatening or oppressive.
• 😀 Throughout the poem, Agard offers hope and a vision for positive change, whereas other poems like 'Exposure' and 'Poppies' focus on loss and despair.
• 😀 The poem ultimately serves as both a protest against historical ignorance and an act of cultural empowerment, aimed at creating a more inclusive and understanding society.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the poem 'Checking Out My History' by Agard?

The main theme of 'Checking Out My History' is the critique of colonialism and the exclusion of black history from the narrative taught in schools. Agard aims to highlight the importance of reclaiming and celebrating black identity and history, which has been overlooked and replaced by a Eurocentric perspective.

How does Agard's 'Checking Out My History' compare to other war poems like 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and 'Exposure'?

Agard's poem contrasts with poems like 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and 'Exposure' in its focus on the effects of colonialism, rather than glorifying war. While Tennyson's 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' glorifies British soldiers and colonialism, Agard critiques the impact of war and colonialism, particularly on black identity. Similarly, 'Exposure' criticizes the indifference towards soldiers, while Agard’s poem critiques the ignorance of black history.

What is the significance of Agard's use of historical figures in 'Checking Out My History'?

Agard uses historical figures such as Shaka the Zulu and Toussaint L'Ouverture to highlight the overlooked achievements of black individuals in history. These figures are significant because they represent the strength, resilience, and contributions of the black diaspora, challenging the dominant historical narrative that has marginalized their role.

How does Agard address the theme of power in his poem 'Checking Out My History'?

Agard addresses the theme of power by critiquing the legacy of colonialism and the way British history has been shaped by the power of European rulers. He argues that colonial powers have imposed their version of history while erasing the voices and contributions of indigenous and black communities, thus maintaining a power imbalance.

How does Agard's poem contrast with poems like 'Poppies' and 'Kamikaze' in terms of perspective on war?

While 'Poppies' and 'Kamikaze' focus on the loss and despair caused by war, Agard’s 'Checking Out My History' offers an alternative perspective, focusing on the psychological damage of growing up without knowledge of one's true history. Agard’s optimism contrasts with the fatalism in 'Kamikaze' and the grief in 'Poppies', as he calls for a reclaiming of identity and hope for change.

What role does nature play in 'Checking Out My History' compared to other poems like 'The Prelude' or 'Storm on the Island'?

In 'Checking Out My History', nature is portrayed as a gentle and healing force, associated with freedom and the female form. This contrasts with poems like 'The Prelude', where nature is seen as threatening, and 'Storm on the Island', where nature represents oppression. Agard's view of nature is one of hope, connection, and healing, while in the other poems, nature is either feared or oppressive.

How does Agard's approach to culture and identity differ from other poems in the same thematic category?

Agard’s poem focuses on reclaiming black identity, encouraging black readers to take pride in their history while educating white readers about the consequences of ignorance. This is contrasted with poems like 'Emigra', where the protagonist is excluded from society and retreats into despair. Agard's optimism and call for connection set his poem apart as a source of hope for cultural transformation.

What is the significance of the closing reference to Mary Seacole in Agard's poem?

The reference to Mary Seacole at the end of the poem serves as a symbol of healing and resilience. Despite being rejected by the British, Mary Seacole continued to serve them in the Crimean War. Her inclusion in Agard's poem emphasizes the strength and contributions of black figures throughout history, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating their legacies.

What is Agard’s primary message to his audience in 'Checking Out My History'?

Agard’s primary message is to encourage readers, both black and white, to acknowledge and celebrate black history. He urges black readers to reclaim their identity and take pride in their history, while urging white readers to recognize the consequences of their ignorance about the black diaspora’s contributions and struggles.

How does Agard’s poem interact with the themes of colonialism and historical erasure?

Agard's poem critiques the historical erasure of black identities and the glorification of European history. He emphasizes how colonial powers have suppressed the contributions of indigenous and black peoples, replacing their histories with a Eurocentric narrative. Agard aims to challenge this historical injustice and offer an alternative, more inclusive understanding of history.