Literature Review: Poems on Identity

These flashcards cover key concepts from the literature lesson, focusing on the poems 'Tissue' and 'Checking Out Me History', their themes, and analyses.

What is the central theme of the poem 'Tissue' by Imtiaz Dharker?

The poem explores themes of religion, society, and human power through the metaphor of paper.

What recurring symbol is prominent in 'Tissue'?

Light is a recurring symbol that represents enlightenment and truth.

How does Dharker portray society in 'Tissue'?

She depicts an ideal society where structures should be transparent and adaptable.

What does the repeated use of the word 'transparent' signify in 'Tissue'?

It emphasizes the desire for a society that is open and honest, free from limitations.

What critique does Dharker make regarding materialism in 'Tissue'?

She critiques the significance placed on material wealth and how it divides people.

Which poem is suggested for comparison with 'Tissue'?

'Checking Out Me History' by John Agard.

What connects 'Tissue' and 'Checking Out Me History'?

Both poems critique materialism and the limitations imposed by societal structures.

What is the significance of maps and borderlines in 'Tissue'?

They symbolize division and the constraints imposed on human lives.

What does Dharker mean by 'money flies our lives like paper kites'?

It reflects how money controls our lives but is ultimately ephemeral and trivial.

How does 'Checking Out Me History' address the theme of identity?

Agard expresses frustration over the omission of Black history from the education system.

What aspect of John Agard's background influences 'Checking Out Me History'?

His British education rooted in colonial history deprived him of his cultural identity.

How does Agard use contrast in 'Checking Out Me History'?

He contrasts significant Black figures with trivial nursery rhymes from British history.

What literary technique does Agard employ in the first stanza of 'Checking Out Me History'?

Repetition of 'them' and 'me' to establish a sense of division and accusation.

What does the imagery of bandages in 'Checking Out Me History' signify?

It represents the injury caused by a lack of knowledge about one's own history.

How does Agard represent significant Black historical figures in his poem?

He gives them dedicated stanzas, elevating their importance in contrast to British figures.

What does the phrase 'Don't tell me about October and all that' suggest?

It conveys dismissal of British history, highlighting its irrelevance to his identity.

Why are nursery rhymes mentioned in 'Checking Out Me History'?

To trivialize British history and illustrate what the speaker was taught, contrasted with significant historical figures.

What role does nature play in 'Tissue' and 'Checking Out Me History'?

Nature symbolizes enduring power against human constructs, suggesting a deeper connection to identity.

What is the tone of 'Checking Out Me History'?

It is accusatory and frustrated, reflecting anger over colonial educational practices.

How does the structure of 'Checking Out Me History' reinforce its themes?

The alternating stanzas between British history and Black history symbolize the separation of narratives.

What message does Agard convey about the importance of history?

He emphasizes that knowing one’s history is vital to understanding one's identity.

What do the italics in 'Checking Out Me History' signify?

They indicate a departure to recount significant figures in a more personal and reverent manner.

What does the imagery of light associated with characters like Toussaint suggest?

It symbolizes hope and vision for revolution and resistance against oppression.

How do Agard's experiences as a Guyanese author shape his writing?

His dual perspective on colonial education informs his critique of historical narratives.

What is a major difference between 'Tissue' and 'London' in terms of tone?

'Tissue' offers a hopeful vision of change, while 'London' reflects acceptance of societal oppression.

What does Agard suggest about British historical figures in 'Checking Out Me History'?

He argues that they are often trivialized compared to the significant contributions of marginalized figures.

What literary device is used in the phrase 'lick back Napoleon battalion'?

It uses vivid imagery and action to emphasize Toussaint's rebellion.

Why does Agard mention the phrase 'the only difference'?

To highlight the unequal emphasis on historical figures based on race and background.

What do the closing lines of 'Checking Out Me History' convey about individual agency?

They emphasize the speaker's determination to reclaim and carve out his identity.

What historical event does Agard reference with Toussaint Louverture?

He references Louverture's role in leading the Haitian Revolution against colonial powers.

How does Agard signify the contrast between his history and what is taught in schools?

By interspersing personal, meaningful history within the structure of conventional education.

What is the implied critique in mentioning figures like Nanny of the Maroons?

It underscores the overlooked contributions of women in historical movements.

How does the end of 'Checking Out Me History' relate back to its beginning?

It reinforces the cyclical nature of being taught selective histories, urging a proactive reclaiming of identity.

What does the final stanza suggest about historical education?

It calls for recognition and respect of diverse histories, challenging mainstream narratives.

How does 'London' compare to 'Tissue' regarding themes of oppression?

Both critique oppression, but 'London' depicts resignation while 'Tissue' suggests hope.

In 'Tissue', what does the metaphor of paper symbolize regarding human life?

It represents the fragility and transitory nature of human existence and structures.

What literary form does 'Checking Out Me History' take?

It uses a free verse form that emphasizes personal narrative and voice.

How does the tone shift throughout 'Checking Out Me History'?

It shifts from accusatory to assertive, showcasing the speaker’s journey towards self-discovery.

What significance do the closing lines of 'Checking Out Me History' hold?

They encapsulate the journey of reclaiming one's narrative and asserting identity.

What aspect of colonialism does Agard's poem critique?

It critiques the erasure of non-British histories and the whitewashing of education.

What do the repeated phrases in Agard’s poem indicate about educational practices?

They highlight the monotony and selective nature of the narratives taught across educational systems.

How does Imtiaz Dharker use structure to convey her message in 'Tissue'?

The free-form structure allows for fluidity and reflects the changing nature of society.

What do the themes of both poems suggest about modern identity?

They suggest that identity is fluid, shaped by history, society, and personal experiences.

In 'Tissue', how is change represented through the metaphor of paper?

Paper is versatile, suggesting that identities and societies should be adaptable and evolve.

How do both poets view the relationship between history and identity?

Both view history as foundational to identity, emphasizing the need for diverse narratives.

What message does 'Tissue' convey about the importance of human connection?

It suggests that human connections transcend physical constructs like borders and institutions.

What is the purpose of questioning traditional narratives in 'Checking Out Me History'?

To challenge accepted histories and advocate for the inclusion of diverse perspectives.

How does the imagery of bandages in Agard's poem relate to historical education?

It reflects the injuries caused by a limited understanding of one's own cultural history.

Why is the lack of regular rhyme scheme in both poems significant?

It demonstrates a desire for freedom from restrictions and conformity in poetic tradition.

What is the overall message of both poems regarding the concept of identity?

That identity should be seen as multifaceted, encompassing diverse histories and experiences.

What significance does Agard's use of a Caribbean accent have in 'Checking Out Me History'?

It asserts cultural identity and challenges the dominance of the standardized English accent.

What do the references to significant historical black figures in Agard's poem serve to do?

To illuminate their contributions and rightful place in history, against the backdrop of colonial narratives.

What insight does Agard offer regarding the impact of colonial education on identity?

It reveals the detrimental effects of suppressing cultural narratives on individual self-awareness.

In what way does 'Tissue' respond to materialism?

It critiques the prioritization of material wealth over meaningful human connections and identity.

What emotional response does Agard aim to evoke in 'Checking Out Me History'?

A sense of anger at the injustice of historically marginalized voices and a call to recognition.

In 'Tissue', how does Dharker suggest society can achieve freedom?

By embracing transparency and fluidity in structures and beliefs.

What does the phrase 'I carve out my identity' imply about Agard's approach to history?

It indicates an active, personal engagement in seeking out and defining one’s own identity.

How do both poems reflect the authors' cultural backgrounds?

They draw on personal experiences of colonization and cultural identity to challenge dominant narratives.

What overarching theme connects 'Tissue' and 'Checking Out Me History'?

The quest for understanding oneself within the context of societal frameworks and historical truths.

How does the structure of 'Tissue' support its themes?

The fluid structure mirrors the themes of fragility and adaptability within human experience.

What insight about oppression does Agard provide in 'Checking Out Me History'?

He highlights how it operates through education and cultural narratives that exclude marginalized voices.