'Cheking Out Me History' by John Agard

The Historical Figures in 'Checking Out Me History'

The poem makes a specific reference to Toussaint L'Ouverture.  Understanding this historical reference is important to a full understanding of the poem.  Read more here:

http://www.blackpast.org/gah/loverture-toussaint-1742-1803

Similarly the poem makes reference to Nanny de Maroon.  She is an important cultural figure and an understanding of this historical figure is necessary to understand the poem properly.

http://jis.gov.jm/heroes/nanny-of-the-maroons/

Another reference to a historical figure is Shaka Zulu:

http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_shaka_zulu.html

You don't need much information on each historical figure.  This page from BBC primary resources is enough on Mary Seacole:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/mary_seacole/

Further Exploration

Hear the poet read the poem himself here.  Expand the section on the right hand side to read a few simple comments about structure and language.

http://genius.com/John-agard-checking-out-me-history-annotated


This is an excellent Prezi presentation on the poem.  It is quite basic in places but it covers quite a lot of important information:

https://prezi.com/vd4jw5tzb1ud/checking-out-me-history/

'The Emigree' by Carol Rumens

This video is half an hour long but it is thorough, detailed and analytical.  Find half an hour and watch it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5_oPM97kfg


Consider also the paragraph on Carol Rumens website where she mentions the types of writing she does and how they might come together in poetry.  This may go some way to explaining the form and structure of the poem.

http://www.carolrumens.co.uk/

'Kamikaze' by Beatrice Garland

Visit Beatrice Garland's own website.  Ask yourself these questions:

"What are the recurring themes in Garland's poetry?"

"Can you find another poem that deals with similar themes as Kamikaze?"

 

This would be a really impressive piece of research and an impressive piece of knowledge on an exam.

 

http://www.beatricegarland.co.uk/poems/168-2/

 

The BBC guide to the poem is clear and thorough.  Read through it and make a few bullet point notes.

 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zynw2p3/revision

Thanks to Eliot who suggested this site

 

 

http://genius.com/Beatrice-garland-kamikaze-annotated



'Exposure' by Wilfred Owen

Here is an excellent link to a very detailed analysis of Exposure by Wilfred Owen.  There are two pages of analysis so you need to click onto the next page when you have finished the first.

http://crossref-it.info/textguide/wilfred-owen-selected-poems/36/2587

Here is an excellent video which claims to give you all the knowledge you need to access the highest grades!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RIvUeyN2To

Finally, here is an analysis from the Wilfred Owen website which is well worth a read.

http://www.wilfredowen.org.uk/poetry/exposure

If you are following the blog tasks then well done and keep going.  I guarantee this will help you.

Extract from 'The Prelude': Stealing the Boat

Here is an outstanding blog to read on the poem:

http://romantics-uab.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/wordsworths-prelude-boat-stealing.html

and here is a quality YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D87M_pIcj8s