when you make people believe something; a less formal synonym is to brainwash

something that causes a change or event to occur

a character who contrasts with another character

an international association of 56 independent countries, many of which used to be British colonies

when a country establishes control over another country, exploiting it for economic gain

The importance of the character of Brod in Winsome Pinnock’s ‘Leave Taking’

English

In 'Leave Taking: the power of education', pupils explored how a lack of Black representation in education and literature impacts sense of identity. In 'Leave Taking: an intersectional analysis', pupils focus on the specific experiences of Black Women in the play.

In 'Leave Taking: A Sense of Belonging', pupils explore the themes of immigration and identity in the play. In 'Leave Taking: The Importance of Literature', pupils explore how a lack of representation in literature and other educational materials negatively impacts on sense of self.

In this unit, pupils do a deep dive into the role of education in 'Leave Taking'. They first look at how education is presented, and how Viv and Del experience it differently. They then think about what Pinnock might be communicating about education, before preparing and writing an essay about it.

Modern text: first deep dive

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

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

something or someone that causes a change or event to occur

Match these keywords, all important in the analysis of 'Leave Taking', to their definitions.

through Del, who complains of his excessive drinking

through Enid, who explains how much she relies on him

when he comes to have dinner with the Pastor

through Viv, who says that he has encouraged her to visit the West Indies

through Mai, who gives him an obeah reading

In 'Leave Taking', how are we first introduced to the character of Brod?

He doesn't have any children, unlike Enid.

He thinks Viv should explore her cultural heritage, unlike Enid.

In 'Leave Taking', in what ways is Brod a foil to Enid?

that it promoted British culture to the detriment of Jamaica's culture

that it created a one dimensional view of Britain

that is was a mainly positive use of colonialist force

that it indoctrinated its citizens to believe Britain was unquestionably great

In her introduction to 'Leave Taking', Enid discusses the effect of the colonialist education her parents' generation received in Jamaica. What does she say of its effects?

Del encourages her to to get back at Enid.

Brod is a catalyst for Viv's reacting against the British education system.

Brod tells her to so she can catalyse her exploration of Jamaica.

Del is a catalyst for Viv's reacting against Enid after she leaves home.

Pinnock uses this as a catalyst to explore her character.

In 'Leave Taking', why does Viv skip one of her A Level exams?

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Brod blames the legacy of colonialism for Jamaica's poverty. He states, "An' why they poor? Because a colonialism. Imperialism. ..."

spends an evening with Enid having dinner with a Pastor

is with Enid when she learns of her mother's death

wakes up, hungover, at Mai's house after Enid throws him out

The character of Brod is in three scenes of 'Leave Taking'. Match the scenes to their plot points.

supports her, but also challenges the way she brings up her daughters

encourages her to explore her cultural heritage

explains a difficult period of her mother's life to her

Brod, a character in 'Leave Taking', has an influence and impact on each of the Matthews women. Match his influence to the character.

Jamaica was part of the Commonwealth: citizens had the right to enter Britain.

There was a labour shortage in Britain: people were encouraged to come and work.

Britain was a prosperous and welcoming country.

Many Caribbeans had fought for Britain and had a strong sense of Britishness.

The housing available was affordable and luxurious.

Enid and Brod, two characters from 'Leave Taking', are presented as having migrated from Jamaica to Britain post war. Why was there a mass migration movement from the West Indies to Jamaica after WW2?

In Scene One of 'Leave Taking', Enid says she wants to go to the West Indies because "{{ }} says you don't know who you are 'less you've been there."

He already considered himself British; this process undermines his identity.

He has to naturalise himself, but also his family who he considers British.

He has been extremely patriotic all his life. The process feels like a betrayal.

He has lived in Britain for over 30 years; his sense of home has been destroyed.

He can't believe how much it costs; he thinks it should be cheaper.

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Brod describes how he had to pay to become a British citizen in a naturalisation process. Why does this anger him so much?

Like Enid and Brod in 'Leave Taking', Pinnock's parents migrated to Britain. Pinnock describes how they "didn't complain and {{ }} discussed hardships" despite the difficulties they faced in Britain."

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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