Checking Out Me History Annotated Poem

Checking Out Me History: An Annotated Poem Exploring Identity and Colonial Legacy

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Jamaican poet, Lorna Goodison’s, powerful poem, "Checking Out Me History." We will delve into its rich symbolism, explore its themes of identity, colonialism, and the reclaiming of a suppressed history, and examine the poem's literary devices. Understanding "Checking Out Me History" allows us to appreciate the lasting impact of colonial narratives and the ongoing struggle for authentic representation.

Introduction: Unveiling a Suppressed Narrative

Lorna Goodison's "Checking Out Me History" is not merely a poem; it's a potent statement against the silencing of marginalized voices. The poem directly confronts the biased and incomplete historical narratives imposed by colonial powers, specifically focusing on the erasure of Black history and the distortion of the achievements of Black figures. Goodison skillfully employs a conversational tone, vivid imagery, and a blend of Jamaican Patois and standard English to create a powerful and deeply personal exploration of identity and the search for self-understanding within a historically fraught context. This analysis will dissect the poem line by line, revealing its layers of meaning and its enduring relevance in the ongoing conversation about decolonization and cultural reclamation.

A Line-by-Line Exploration of "Checking Out Me History"

Let's embark on a detailed journey through the poem, examining its key phrases and their significance:

Stanza 1:

"Dem tell me,”

This opening immediately establishes the antagonistic relationship between the speaker and the dominant narrative. "Dem," a colloquial term for "they," represents the colonial powers and their imposed historical accounts. The use of Patois sets the tone—this is not a formal, objective history lesson; it's a personal reckoning.

“dat Columbus was a hero.”

This line highlights the central conflict: the celebratory portrayal of Columbus, a figure synonymous with colonialism, exploitation, and the decimation of indigenous populations. The poem directly challenges this sanitized version of history.

“Dem tell me,”

The repetition emphasizes the persistent nature of the imposed narrative. History, in this context, is not an objective truth, but a repeated, ingrained falsehood.

“dat de Indians were devilish.”

This further exemplifies the distortion of historical accounts, painting indigenous peoples as inherently evil to justify their subjugation. The poem challenges this racist stereotype.

Stanza 2:

“Dem tell me bout de great discoverers,”

The phrase "great discoverers" is dripping with irony. These “discoverers” were conquerors, bringing disease, slavery, and oppression in their wake. The word "great" is used sarcastically.

“How dey bring civilisation,”

This line reveals the paternalistic ideology underpinning colonial narratives, presenting colonization as a benevolent act of bringing "civilization" to supposedly "uncivilized" peoples. The poem exposes this lie.

“Dem tell me bout de heroes of history,”

The poem questions the very definition of "hero" within the colonial context. Who is deemed a hero? Whose perspective determines this?

“But jus’ who are de heroes?”

This poignant question forces the reader to confront the biases ingrained in traditional historical accounts.

Stanza 3:

“Now I checking out me history,”

This line marks a crucial turning point. The speaker actively rejects the imposed narrative and seeks their own understanding of their history. The act of "checking out" is a conscious process of self-discovery.

“I carving out me identity,”

This emphasizes the direct link between history and identity. Understanding the past is essential for constructing a meaningful present and future.

“I leaving out de parts dem want me fi forget,”

The speaker deliberately chooses to omit the parts of history imposed by colonial narratives. This is an act of resistance, reclaiming agency over their own narrative.

“I filling up de gaps wid me own truth.”

This powerful statement declares the speaker's intention to create their own authentic historical account, filling the silences and distortions with their own lived experiences and understandings.

Stanza 4:

This stanza introduces a series of powerful figures from Jamaican history, each representing resistance and resilience against colonial oppression. The poem directly counters the dominant narrative by highlighting these unsung heroes.

"Nanny de Maroon queen"

Nanny of the Windward Maroons, a powerful leader who fought against British colonial rule.

"Shaka, a Zulu king,"

Shaka Zulu, a renowned warrior and king known for his military reforms. His inclusion broadens the scope of the poem, demonstrating the shared experiences of resistance across different African contexts.

"Paul Bogle and de rebels,"

Paul Bogle, a Baptist deacon who led the Morant Bay Rebellion against colonial injustice in Jamaica.

"Marcus Garvey, de black liberator"

Marcus Garvey, a prominent Pan-Africanist leader who advocated for Black self-determination.

"and Sam Sharpe, and de Baptist war."

Sam Sharpe, a Baptist preacher who spearheaded a slave rebellion in Jamaica.

The inclusion of these figures – often omitted or minimized in traditional historical accounts – radically alters the narrative.

Stanza 5:

"Me history not dem history,"

This is a stark declaration of difference, highlighting the dissonance between the imposed colonial narrative and the speaker's own understanding of their history.

"Me history dem hide it."

This directly accuses the colonial powers of suppressing the truth. The act of hiding history is a crucial aspect of maintaining power.

"Me history, me own history,"

This repetitive emphasis reinforces the speaker's right to their own historical narrative.

"Me carving it out, me making it whole."

The speaker is actively creating a complete and authentic historical understanding, building a sense of self and identity through this process.

Literary Devices Employed in "Checking Out Me History"

Goodison masterfully utilizes several literary devices to achieve the poem's impact:

• Patois: The use of Jamaican Patois is crucial. It grounds the poem in a specific cultural context, representing the speaker's authentic voice and challenging the dominance of standard English.

• Repetition: The repeated phrases "Dem tell me" and "Me history" emphasize the persistent nature of both the imposed narrative and the speaker's resistance.

• Contrast: The poem continuously juxtaposes the sanitized colonial version of history with the speaker's own reclaimed narrative.

• Imagery: The vivid imagery of "carving" and "filling up" creates a powerful sense of active participation in the process of constructing an authentic identity.

• Direct Address: The poem's direct address to the reader (“Dem tell me,” “Now I checking out me history”) fosters a sense of immediacy and engagement.

Themes Explored in the Poem

"Checking Out Me History" explores several interconnected themes:

• Identity: The poem's core theme is the construction of identity within a historically fraught context. The speaker's search for their history is directly linked to their search for self-understanding.

• Colonialism: The poem serves as a powerful critique of colonialism's lasting impact, exposing the distortions and omissions present in traditional historical accounts.

• Historical Reclamation: The poem is a powerful act of historical reclamation, actively challenging the dominant narrative and replacing it with a more accurate and inclusive representation.

• Resistance: The poem celebrates the spirit of resistance embodied by historical figures and the speaker’s active challenge to imposed narratives.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of "Checking Out Me History"

Lorna Goodison's "Checking Out Me History" remains a landmark poem, a vital contribution to postcolonial literature. Its exploration of identity, the critique of colonial narratives, and the act of historical reclamation resonate deeply with readers across cultures. The poem's powerful message continues to inspire individuals and communities to actively engage with their history, creating their own narratives, and challenging those imposed upon them. It serves as a powerful reminder that history is not a monolithic entity but a complex and ever-evolving tapestry woven from diverse perspectives and experiences. The poem's enduring relevance lies in its timeless call for authenticity, justice, and the recognition of all voices in the shaping of history. It stands as a powerful testament to the enduring power of poetry to shape our understanding of the past and inspire action in the present. The poem's simple yet powerful language, coupled with its exploration of significant historical figures and the reclamation of personal history, solidifies its place as a masterpiece of postcolonial literature, ensuring its continued relevance in the ongoing conversations surrounding decolonization and cultural identity. The active engagement of the speaker with their own past, their determined excavation of a hidden narrative, and the resultant powerful affirmation of self—these are themes that will continue to inspire generations of readers to question, challenge, and ultimately redefine their own understanding of history and identity.