Checking out me History John Agard Lesson 2
- Slides: 8
Checking out me History John Agard Lesson 2 LO: To explore the language of the poem
Language analysis TASK: You need to complete your annotation in the main section of your poems I have chosen a few key quotes to focus on but please add your own ideas as well.
“bandage up me eye with me own history Blind me to me own identity” WT and EXP: Metaphor which explores the idea that the speaker feels oppressed by the white-centric education and therefore does not know his true identity Noun – Zoom and AC: literally used to heal and Bandages are also protect constricting so perhaps wounds reflects how the speaker feels his education/access to black history has been Perhaps it could reflect constricted? how the speaker is trying to heal the wounds of his own broken sense of identity? TASK: Use the above to annotate your poems. CREATE a similar word bomb on “blind”
“of mountain dream fire-woman struggle” The poet uses a series of beautiful metaphors to describe Nanny de Maroon. WT: Metaphor – the poet uses beautiful natural imagery and light imagery to suggest the power these figures have in shining the ‘light’ of truth on speaker’s history and therefore his identity. Noun – thoughts in sleep or an Zoom and AC: dream aspiration/ambition Perhaps we are meant to consider Martin Luther King with the reference to dream and The speaker uses the concept of how inspirational and dream to present the idea of hope influential he was in and optimism Nanny de Maroon black history. represents – not just for the speaker but for all who feel oppressed.
TASK – CREATE A WORD BOMB ON “Firewoman” Firewoman
TASK: Find at least 2 other quotes that use LIGHT IMAGERY • Why are these characters described using images of light? WRITE at least 1 paragraph using the following skills on how Toussaint, de Maroon or Seacole are presented to the reader. SI Q WT EXP Z CON WM AC
“I carving out me identity” • Create a word bomb on “carving” Agard has used quite violent and aggressive language to describe the effect ‘dem’ have on his identity and sense of self.
HOMEWORK – Due after Easter 18 th April Extended Writing (minimum of 4 paragraphs) How has Agard explored identity in this poem? Flash mark your responses and email to your class teacher. SI Q WT EXP Z CON WM AC
