Lecture Summary: Analyzing "Checking Out Me History" in Power and Conflict Poetry Cluster

Overview:

• The lecture focuses on the poem "Checking Out Me History" by John Agard.
• It is a part of the power and conflict poetry cluster.
• The lecture compares "Checking Out Me History" to multiple other poems, arguing its adaptability and relevance.
• The aim is to provide insights into colonialism and the representation of black history in the British educational context.

Poet's Viewpoint:

• Theme: Power of colonialism and British history's dominance.
• Exclusion: Excludes the black experience and contributions.
• Agard's Purpose:
  • To educate both black and white British readers about black historical figures.
  • Encourage black readers to reclaim identity.
  • Educate white readers on the ignorance surrounding black history.
• Effect on Black Diaspora: Inferior view of their own history and identity.

Comparisons with War Poems:

• "Charge of the Light Brigade":
  • Glorifies British colonialism.
  • Agard criticizes colonial militarism but subtly appreciates British history.
• "Exposure":
  • Critiques war's impact on soldiers.
  • Agard draws a parallel with indifference to black history.
• "Bayonet Charge":
  • Soldier questions value of war.
  • Agard views women's struggles as enduring.
• "Remains":
  • Psychological damage from war mirrored in colonialism's impact on identity.
• "Poppies":
  • Loss and blindness in Agard's poem reflect war's emotional toll.
• "War Photographer":
  • Opposes war and public indifference.
  • Agard is optimistic about societal transformation.
• "Kamikaze":
  • Cultural exclusion parallels black identity struggles.

Comparisons with Power Poems:

• "Ozymandias":
  • Criticizes tyranny.
  • Agard aims to update colonial narratives within education.
• "London":
  • Critiques oppressive institutions.
  • Agard seeks to change cultural ignorance.
• "My Last Duchess":
  • Addresses patriarchal power.
  • Agard promotes female resilience.

Comparisons with Identity Poems:

• "Poppies":
  • Identity tied to relationships and loss.
  • Agard offers hope through education and compromise.
• "Tissue":
  • Metaphor for unity and human sameness.
  • Agard's poem aligns with the theme of shared identity.
• "The Emigrée":
  • Exclusion from a new culture.
  • Agard emphasizes connection and hope.

Nature and Its Role:

• "The Prelude":
  • Nature as powerful and symbolic.
  • In Agard's poem, nature is healing and connected to identity.
• "Storm on the Island":
  • Metaphor for political oppression.
  • Agard views nature as liberating, not oppressive.
• "Exposure":
  • Nature is both oppressive and hopeful.
  • Agard aligns with nature as a hopeful force.

Conclusion:

• Agard’s “Checking Out Me History” is a versatile poem that can be compared effectively with many others in the power and conflict cluster.
• Understanding the poet’s purpose and themes can lead to high-grade essays.
• Offers a framework for discussing colonialism, identity, and systemic history rewriting.

Additional Resources:

• Essays and masterclasses are available for deeper understanding and analysis.