Question:
Compare how two poets explore the theme of identity in their poems.
Model Essay (Top Band Response)
Poems used: ‘Half-Caste’ by John Agard and ‘Search for My Tongue’ by Sujata Bhatt
In both ‘Half-Caste’ and ‘Search for My Tongue’, the poets explore the theme of identity through the lens of cultural conflict and language, expressing the frustration and confusion that comes from feeling caught between two worlds. However, while Agard uses sarcasm and confrontation to criticise society’s narrow views, Bhatt uses personal emotion and metaphor to reflect an inner conflict.
John Agard’s ‘Half-Caste’ challenges the offensive label “half-caste” by turning the insult on its head. From the beginning, he confronts the reader with: “Excuse me standing on one leg / I’m half-caste.” This ironic image immediately questions the logic of the term, suggesting that calling someone “half” implies they are physically and mentally incomplete. Agard continues with a series of sarcastic comparisons: “yu mean when Picasso / mix red an green / is a half-caste canvas?” He ridicules the idea that mixing should be seen as inferior, instead presenting it as something artistic and enriching. His use of non-standard English and Caribbean dialect reflects his cultural background and asserts pride in his identity, resisting assimilation into standard British norms.
In contrast, Sujata Bhatt’s ‘Search for My Tongue’ presents a more introspective journey. She begins by describing the fear of losing her mother tongue: “You ask me what I mean / by saying I have lost my tongue.” The use of second person draws the reader in, suggesting this is a response to constant questioning or misunderstanding. Bhatt uses the metaphor of a rotting plant—“it grows back, a stump of a shoot”—to describe how her Gujarati language, and by extension her cultural identity, withers when unused but regrows from within her. The middle of the poem switches to Gujarati, visually and linguistically asserting the speaker’s identity. This moment is a powerful reclaiming of the self, and the poem ends with a sense of confidence and pride, similar to Agard, though expressed more quietly.
Both poets use form and structure to reflect their identity struggles. Agard’s poem is written in short, fragmented lines, mimicking speech and giving it a confrontational, improvised rhythm. The lack of punctuation and irregular layout reflect his rejection of formal, Western literary expectations. Bhatt’s poem is split into three parts: English at the start, a block of Gujarati in the middle, and then a return to English—mirroring the conflict and eventual reconciliation of her dual identity. The circular structure shows that her identity is whole and continuous.
While Agard directly challenges racism and external prejudice, Bhatt explores internalised conflict caused by cultural displacement. Agard’s tone is mocking and assertive, using repetition and direct address to criticise societal ignorance, while Bhatt’s tone is vulnerable yet ultimately proud, showing a quiet strength. Both poets conclude by reclaiming their identities, but they do so through different emotional journeys.
In conclusion, ‘Half-Caste’ and ‘Search for My Tongue’ are powerful explorations of identity from different angles—external judgement vs. internal struggle. Both poets use language, form, and tone to affirm their cultural identities and challenge the reader’s assumptions, ultimately celebrating the richness of being multicultural.
💯 Why This is a Top-Band Answer
- Clear, comparative structure throughout.
- Explains language, structure, and form in detail.
- Includes relevant quotations and analysis.
- Demonstrates insightful understanding of both poems and their context.
- Uses precise, subject-specific vocabulary.
- Addresses the question directly and consistently.