how a writer creates and constructs a fictional character

a dominant or recurring idea or theme in a text

a description where characteristics are exaggerated to create a comic effect

experiencing pain or hardship without complaining

'Small Island': reading Act 1 Scene 2

English

In 'Small Island', pupils explore the ways in which transferring Levy's novel onto the stage enables both the playwright and the director to powerfully evoke its ideas about race, identity and belonging. In 'Leave Taking', pupils build on their learning about the Windrush Generation to explore the cultural and generational conflicts, that can arise as a result of migration. 

In 'The Tempest', pupils examine the roles of Caliban and Ariel and how they are treated as outsiders, questioning who has a rightful claim to the island. In 'Small Island', pupils look at the play in the context of the Windrush generation and through the lens of key themes, including identity and belonging.  

In this unit, pupils explore the playtext adaptation of Andrea Levy's novel 'Small Island'. They first explore the transition from novel to stage, before reading the playtext in full and exploring key scenes in detail. They then plan and write an essay on the theme of 'hope' in the text.

'Small Island'

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

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

In 'Small Island', what does Bernard sign up for at the end of Act 1 Scene 2?

Which word describes the act of enduring hardship or pain without complaining?

It reflects Queenie's luxurious lifestyle

It mirrors Bernard's cold and closed-off personality

It represents a vibrant and warm atmosphere

In 'Small Island', what is the significance of the house in Earl’s Court in Scene 2?

As a recurring motif connecting different characters and settings

In 'Small Island' how does Edmundson use the 'Pathé-style news footage' throughout the play?

A description that solely focuses on the character's physical appearance. 

A description where characteristics are exaggerated to create a comic effect.

A description that only happens through actions and does not use dialogue.

A description where characteristics are emphasised with music.

In 'Small Island' Bernard could be considered a caricature of a repressed English gentleman. What does this mean?

In 'Small Island' what dramatic techniques does Edmundson use to narrate Hortense and Queenie's stories? 

To emphasise the beauty of natural disasters.

To create a sense of foreboding and tension.

To showcase the resilience of the characters.

To highlight the historical context of the story.

In 'Small Island' why does Edmundson begin with a description of Jamaica "bracing itself" for a hurricane?

a theme, image, character or plot element that is used across many texts.

a unique and individualised narrative element.

a specific event that triggers the climax of the story.

In 'Small Island' who joins the RAF at the end of Act 1 Scene 1?

a celebratory event marking the contributions of immigrants.

 controversies surrounding the immigration status of some Windrush immigrants.

a successful political movement advocating for equal rights.

 a literary work capturing the experiences of the Windrush generation.

The Windrush scandal, in contemporary discussions, refers to...

In 'Small Island', what dramatic device does Edmundson use that enables Hortense to tell her own story about her upbringing and life?

In 'Small Island' Edmundson uses direct address. Which word is used to describe how Hortense speaks to the audience?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet