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Half-Caste - John Agard (Context (Agard was Bord in Guyana (a Caribbean…
Half-Caste - John Agard
Context
Agard was Bord in Guyana (a Caribbean country in South America to a Portuguese mother and Guyanese father.
He moved to the UK in 1977 and wrote this poem to address his dislike for the outdated and offensive term 'half-caste'.
Language
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"Explain yuself"
Confrontational language is used to directly challenge assumptions made by the reader. It makes the poem more personal so they will undrstand the effect of their language on mixed race people.
The use of direct address throughout the poem also makes it conversational, suggesting that Agard wants to learn something from the reader.
Themes
"I'm half-caste"
This shows the theme of conflict in society, because the poet is mixed race and seems to be self assured about this, however the prejudice is external from those around him.
This confident assertion of what others might assume to be shameful makes them question their beliefs from the first stanza.
"ah rass"
This shows the theme of identity, because he is using his dialect to create meaningful poetry, combatting the misconception that speaking with a dialect reflects a lower standard of intelligence.
This creole term expresses significant amounts of anger, which can also show how much resentment he feels towards his mistreatment and the best way he feels able to express this is through is mother tongue.
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