a small, one-room apartment where all living facilities (like sleeping, cooking, and living space) are in one room

a spiritual practice from the Caribbean that involves folk magic, healing, and rituals, often linked to African traditions

the state of being temporary or not permanently settled, often reflecting instability or uncertainty

Caribbean migrants who moved to Britain between 1948 and 1971, facing challenges of identity, belonging, and cultural adjustment

Exploring Mai's Bedsit in 'Leave Taking'

English

In this unit, pupils explore how Pinnock's use of stragecraft in 'Leave Taking' contributes to the play's themes and ideas. They first look at an overview of the play's stagecraft before exploring different settings and techniques in detail. They finally write an essay on generational conflict.

Modern text: third deep dive

Expressions that are regarded as coarse or otherwise unacceptable, including swear words and rude words.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

a small, one-room flat with shared facilities

British people who moved to Jamaica after World War II

migrants from Caribbean countries who came to Britain post-World War II

migrants from Eastern Europe who came to Britain in the 1950s

a generation of British soldiers returning home after WWII

She is a strong, permanent fixture in the play.

She is well-established in her community.

She is wealthy and owns several properties.

She feels only temporarily settled in her life in Britain.

In 'Leave Taking', Mai is arguably presented as a transient character. What does this mean?

it's a space that offers stability to other characters

What is one key function of Mai’s bedsit in Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'?

It symbolises her connection to Jamaican traditions.

It is a place of financial security for Mai.

It represents her transient nature in Britain.

Which of the following statements about Mai’s bedsit in 'Leave Taking' is **not** true?

It was a symbol of total acceptance into British society.

It highlights the permanent instability many experienced.

It was a place of luxury that only a few could afford.

It shows how quickly migrants integrated into British life.

In 'Leave Taking', how does Mai's bedsit reflect the experience of many Windrush migrants in Britain?

What is the name given to the African spell-casting and healing traditions practiced by Mai in 'Leave Taking'?

It is a place Enid goes to seek assistance.

It is Viv's home after she runs away from Enid.

Brod stays there after Enid kicks him out.

In 'Leave Taking', which of these are true about Mai's bedsit?

Mai meets the Matthews family and tries to give Del a reading

Del has moved in with Mai; Mai tells her more about obeah

Mai gives Enid another reading; she tells Del about her son

Mai realises Del has the "gift" of obeah, like Mai does

Mai realises she is unwell; she makes Del take exams in obeah

Mai is involved in five scenes in 'Leave Taking'. Starting with the first, put the events below in chronological order.

In Scene 7 of 'Leave Taking', we learn that Brod is now living at Mai's after being kicked out by Enid. We do not see this event on stage which makes it a {{}} ellipsis.

'Leave Taking' is made up of {{}} continuous scenes and no division into acts.

Which of these are settings in the play 'Leave Taking'?

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz