Checking Out Me History vs Kamikaze: AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Comparison (Grade 9 Guide)
Introduction
Checking Out Me History by John Agard and Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland both explore identity, power, and the pressure of societal expectations, but from different perspectives. Agard presents identity as something actively reclaimed through knowledge and resistance, while Garland presents identity as something threatened and reshaped by cultural expectations and shame. Together, the poems suggest that identity is deeply influenced by external forces, but individuals can respond to this influence in different ways.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Theme | Checking Out Me History | Kamikaze |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Reclaimed through history | Shaped by culture and family |
| Power | Control of education | Power of social expectations |
| Conflict | Cultural oppression | Internal moral conflict |
| Perspective | Personal, defiant | Narrative, reflective |
| Tone | Assertive, rebellious | Reflective, tragic |
Similarity 1: Both poems explore identity
In Checking Out Me History, Agard challenges the identity imposed on him through education: “Dem tell me”.
In Kamikaze, the pilot’s identity is shaped by cultural expectations of honour and duty.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets show identity as influenced by external forces.
Similarity 2: Both poems explore power
Agard presents power through control of knowledge.
Garland presents power through social and cultural expectations.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems show that power can shape behaviour and identity.
Similarity 3: Both poems explore conflict
Agard presents cultural conflict between dominant and marginalised histories.
Garland presents internal conflict as the pilot questions his mission.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems show conflict affecting identity and choices.
Difference 1: Response to power
Checking Out Me History
The speaker resists and reclaims identity.
Kamikaze
The pilot rejects expectations but faces consequences.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Agard shows empowerment, Garland shows isolation.
Difference 2: Outcome
Checking Out Me History
Identity is strengthened.
Kamikaze
Identity is damaged by rejection and shame.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Agard presents positive resistance, Garland presents tragic consequences.
Difference 3: Structure
Checking Out Me History
- Irregular
- Contrasting stanzas
Kamikaze
- Narrative
- Shifts in perspective
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Agard disrupts form, Garland reflects storytelling.
Key Quotes Comparison Table
| Checking Out Me History | Kamikaze |
|---|---|
| “Dem tell me” | “a one-way journey into history” |
| “Bandage up me eye” | “little fishing boats strung out like bunting” |
| “I carving out me identity” | “he must have wondered which had been the better way to die” |
| “Toussaint” | “they treated him as though he no longer existed” |
Context Comparison
Checking Out Me History
- Postcolonial identity
- Critique of Eurocentric education
Kamikaze
- Based on Japanese kamikaze pilots
- Explores honour culture and consequences of defiance
Exam Question 1
Compare how poets present identity in Checking Out Me History and Kamikaze.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both Agard and Garland explore identity as something shaped by powerful external influences, but they present contrasting outcomes depending on how individuals respond to those pressures. In Checking Out Me History, Agard presents identity as something that has been suppressed through the imposition of a narrow, Eurocentric education. The repeated phrase “Dem tell me” suggests that the speaker has been passively taught a version of history that excludes his own cultural heritage. This creates a sense of frustration and alienation, reinforced by the metaphor “Bandage up me eye”, which implies that his understanding has been deliberately restricted. However, the poem shifts when Agard introduces figures such as “Toussaint L’Ouverture”, presented through more vivid and rhythmic language. This change reflects the speaker’s active reclaiming of his identity, culminating in the declaration “I carving out me identity”, which suggests empowerment and self-definition.
In contrast, Kamikaze presents identity as something shaped by cultural expectations and social pressure. The pilot’s identity is initially defined by his role within a society that values honour and sacrifice. The phrase “a one-way journey into history” reflects the expectation that he will gain honour through death. However, when he turns back, his identity becomes fractured. The narrative voice reveals that “they treated him as though he no longer existed”, suggesting that his rejection of societal expectations leads to isolation and loss of identity. Unlike Agard’s speaker, who strengthens his identity through resistance, the pilot’s identity is undermined by the reaction of those around him.
Structurally, Agard uses contrasting stanzas to reflect the shift from imposed to reclaimed identity, while Garland uses a narrative structure with shifts in perspective to show how identity is shaped by both personal choice and social consequences.
Therefore, both poets present identity as influenced by external forces, but Agard emphasises empowerment through resistance, while Garland highlights the damaging consequences of rejecting cultural expectations.
Exam Question 2
Compare how poets present power in Checking Out Me History and Kamikaze.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both poems explore power as something that shapes identity and behaviour, but they present it in different forms. In Checking Out Me History, power is associated with control over knowledge and education. The phrase “Dem tell me” suggests that authority figures determine what is taught, shaping the speaker’s understanding of history and identity. This power is presented as restrictive, particularly through the metaphor “Bandage up me eye”, which implies that the speaker has been prevented from seeing the full picture. However, the poem also presents an alternative form of power: the power of self-education and resistance. By learning about figures such as “Toussaint”, the speaker gains a sense of empowerment, reclaiming control over his identity.
In Kamikaze, power is more closely linked to social and cultural expectations. The pilot is expected to sacrifice himself for his country, reflecting a culture that values honour above individual life. The imagery of “little fishing boats strung out like bunting” contrasts with this expectation, reminding the pilot of the beauty of life and creating internal conflict. However, the real power lies in the reaction of society. The phrase “they treated him as though he no longer existed” suggests that social rejection is a powerful force, capable of erasing identity.
Structurally, Agard’s use of irregular form reflects the disruption of imposed power, while Garland’s narrative structure highlights the consequences of social power over time.
Therefore, both poets present power as influential, but Agard focuses on institutional control and resistance, while Garland emphasises the power of cultural expectations and social consequences.
Exam Question 3
Compare how poets present the effects of conflict.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both Agard and Garland explore the effects of conflict, but they present different types of conflict and their consequences. In Checking Out Me History, the conflict is cultural, centred on the suppression of black history within a colonial education system. The repetition of “Dem tell me” suggests ongoing oppression, while the contrast between the stanzas highlights the divide between imposed and personal identity. This conflict leads to a sense of frustration, but also motivates the speaker to reclaim his identity.
In Kamikaze, the conflict is both external and internal. The pilot faces the external expectation to sacrifice himself, but also experiences internal conflict as he reflects on the value of life. The line “he must have wondered which had been the better way to die” suggests that he is caught between duty and personal desire. The consequences of this conflict are severe, as he is rejected by his family and society, leading to isolation.
Structurally, Agard’s fragmented form reflects the disruption caused by cultural conflict, while Garland’s narrative structure reflects the unfolding consequences of the pilot’s decision.
Therefore, both poets show that conflict has a significant impact on identity, but Agard focuses on cultural resistance, while Garland highlights the personal and social consequences of defiance.
Further Revision Links
- AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology (All 15 Poems): https://englishmadesimple.org/aqa-power-and-conflict-poetry-anthology-complete-gcse-revision-guide-all-15-poems/
- Checking Out Me History – Grade 9 Guide: https://englishmadesimple.org/checking-out-me-history-by-john-agard-gcse-poetry/
- Kamikaze – Grade 9 Guide: https://englishmadesimple.org/kamikaze-by-beatrice-garland-how-to-get-a-grade-9-aqa-gcse-english-literature/
You might also like…
- Poppies vs Kamikaze: https://englishmadesimple.org/poppies-vs-kamikaze/
- Remains vs Kamikaze: https://englishmadesimple.org/remains-vs-kamikaze/
- Kamikaze vs The Émigrée: https://englishmadesimple.org/kamikaze-vs-the-emigree/
Final Grade 9 Tip
When comparing these poems, remember: Agard shows identity being reclaimed through knowledge, while Garland shows identity being shaped—and sometimes damaged—by cultural expectations.
