Analyse the Language in 'Checking Out Me History'

For this activity, you will need to turn to the poem 'Checking Out Me History' by John Agard, which can be found in the Power and Conflict section of your Anthology.

'Checking Out Me History' looks at how identity is created through history. 

The poem gives examples of powerful black figures from history, often involved in conflicts themselves in one way or another.

Noticeably, the poet emphasises how we often celebrate our eurocentric national or cultural history, without looking at the history and culture of those we historically oppressed.

In the following questions, you will be asked to analyse the language devices used in the poem.

You should always refer to your own text when working through these examples.  These quotations are for reference only.