Question 1: What is the significance of the opening line, 'Dem tell me,' in establishing the speaker's perspective and tone?

Answer: It introduces the speaker's frustration and sense of being misled or lacking proper knowledge about his history.

Question 2: Analyze the line 'Bandage up me eye with me own history,' focusing on the metaphor. What does it suggest about the speaker's view of history?

Answer: The metaphor suggests that the speaker's view of history is obscured or blinded, with 'bandage' indicating a deliberate covering or suppression of his true heritage.

Question 3: Identify and explain the effect of the repetition of the phrase 'Dem tell me' throughout the poem.

Answer: The repetition emphasizes the speaker's frustration and highlights the ongoing theme of misinformation or cultural erasure.

Question 4: Quote Explosion: Analyze the quote 'With history dead?' How does this rhetorical question challenge traditional narratives?

Answer: It questions the validity and vitality of mainstream history, suggesting that important parts have been suppressed or ignored, thus encouraging the reader to reconsider whose history is told.

Question 5: Examine the line 'I carving out me own history,' particularly the use of 'carving.' What does this reveal about the speaker's attitude toward his identity?

Answer: The verb 'carving' indicates active creation and assertion of identity, suggesting that the speaker is taking control of his history and self-identity against oppressive narratives.

Question 6: Identify two language devices used in the line 'Toussaint L'Ouverture and Robert Clive / Tell me who they are.' and explain their effects.

Answer: Devices: Alliteration ('Tell me who they are') emphasizes the importance of these figures. The use of specific names personalizes history, making it more concrete and impactful for the reader.

Question 7: Compare the portrayal of historical figures in this poem with those in 'Ozymandias.' How does Agard's approach to history differ?

Answer: While 'Ozymandias' depicts the impermanence of power and legacy through a statue, Agard's poem emphasizes active resistance and reclaiming identity, highlighting the importance of personal and cultural history.

Question 8: Discuss the theme of power in 'Checking Out Me History' and how the poet conveys this through language and structure.

Answer: The poem challenges dominant narratives of power by emphasizing marginalized histories. Agard uses repetition, metaphor, and vivid language to assert the power of self-identity and cultural history over oppressive suppression.

Question 9: Identify and explain the effect of the line 'I am the captain of my soul' in the context of the poem's themes.

Answer: It signifies personal empowerment and self-determination, reinforcing the theme of asserting one's identity against historical suppression.

Question 10: What message does Agard intend to communicate about history and identity to young readers?

Answer: He encourages young readers to explore and take pride in their own history, challenging stereotypes and promoting cultural awareness and empowerment.

Question 11: Extended Essay Plan: How does 'Checking Out Me History' use poetic devices to communicate its message? Outline your response.

Answer: Students should discuss the use of metaphors, repetition, vivid imagery, and structure, explaining how these devices emphasize themes of cultural identity, resistance, and empowerment.